Welcome to the Dillman Family Association. Whether you have just discovered a Dillman ancestor or have been researching for years, this page will guide your research to help you find what you are looking for and connect with the resources and people who can help.
Step 1 — Find Out If We Have Your Family
The DFA has documented 163 Dillman family groups across North America and beyond, of which 16 have been confirmed through Y-DNA testing. The remaining groups are identified from migration and historical records. Your first step is to find out whether your ancestor is already represented in our research.
🔍 Search the Dillman Surname Index
Our Dillman Surname Index lists all 163 known family groups in a single searchable table. Type any ancestor name, US state, country, or origin region to filter the list instantly. Each entry links to the full Family Group Sheet PDF — the fastest way to find out if your family is already in our database.
🔍 Search the Family Group Sheets
Our Family Group Sheets table lists all 163 known Dillman family groups, each with the earliest known immigrant ancestor, their approximate origin, and the region where they settled. Use the search box at the top of the table to search by ancestor name, US state, or country of origin. Click any group number to open the detailed family sheet as a PDF.
🧬 Check the DNA Participants List
If your family has taken a Y-DNA test through FamilyTreeDNA, they may already appear in our Dillman DNA Participants table. This page lists all members of the Dillman DNA Project organized by haplogroup, showing which genetic family each participant belongs to. Use the jump navigation at the top to move between haplogroup sections.
📖 Browse the DFA Library Collection
The DFA Library contains photographs, documents, compiled genealogies, audio recordings, and family histories shared by members over more than 20 years. If your family is represented in the collection, a library visit at the next biennial conference may reveal records you have never seen.
Step 2 — Understand the Dillman Surname
The Dillman surname originated in German-speaking regions and arrived in North America under many different spellings. Understanding this history can help you search more effectively.
🔗 Common Spelling Variants to Search
When searching genealogical databases, always try all of the following variants: Dillman, Dillmann, Dihlmann, Dielmann, Diehlmann, Tillman, Tillmann, Tielmann, Stillman. The spelling was often recorded inconsistently — even within the same family across generations. In one documented case, a minister confused a handwritten “l” with an “e”, permanently changing a family’s surname from Dillmann to Dielmann.
🌎 Where Dillman Families Came From
Most Dillman immigrants to North America came from Germany (particularly Hesse, Baden-Württemberg, and the Rhineland), Switzerland, Alsace (now northeastern France), and the Volga German communities of Russia. Knowing your family’s region of origin will help you identify which German records to search. Read more on our The Dillman Surname page.
Step 3 — Use DNA to Confirm and Extend Your Research
DNA testing has been one of the most powerful tools in Dillman research. The Dillman DNA Project has used Y-DNA testing to identify 167 distinct Dillman family groups — families that share a patrilineal ancestor but whose paper trails may have diverged centuries ago.
🧬 Y-DNA Testing (for men with a Dillman surname)
If you are a male with the Dillman surname (or a variant) in your direct paternal line, a Y-DNA test through FamilyTreeDNA may place you within one of the 16 DNA-confirmed Dillman family groups, connect you to an unconfirmed family group, or potentially identify an entirely new line. The Y-37 test ($119) is a good starting point. Visit our Order a DNA Kit page to get started, or contact the project administrator for a discounted kit link.
🧬 Already Tested Elsewhere?
If you have already taken a DNA test with AncestryDNA, 23andMe, or another company, you can upload your raw DNA data to FamilyTreeDNA at no charge to access the Dillman DNA Project matching database. Visit the DNA Project page for more information, or read our guide to Understanding DNA Tests for Genealogy.
Step 4 — Connect With Other Researchers
The DFA community is one of your most valuable research resources. Other members may have exactly the records, photographs, or family knowledge you are looking for.
🏛 Attend the Biennial Conference
The DFA holds a Genealogical Conference every two years, bringing together Dillman researchers from across North America. The conference features presentations, library access, DNA project updates, and the irreplaceable opportunity to meet distant cousins in person. Our next conference is August 7–9, 2026 in Erlanger, Kentucky.
💬 Join the Forums
The DFA Forums are a place to post research questions, share discoveries, and connect with members researching the same family lines. A question posted in the forums may be seen by the one person who has the answer you need.
📰 Subscribe to the Newsletter
The Dillman* Descendants and Ancestors newsletter is published quarterly and delivered by email to all members. It contains member research updates, association news, record discoveries, and DNA project developments. Become a member to receive it.
Step 5 — Become a Member
DFA membership is open to anyone researching the Dillman surname or any of its variants. Membership dues are $25.00 for a two-year period and have not increased since the DFA was founded in 2002.
Ready to join? You have two options:
- Online Registration Form — complete the form online and mail your payment
- Fillable PDF Membership Form — download, complete, and mail with your check
Still Have Questions?
Check our Frequently Asked Questions page, or contact us directly at webmaster@dillmanfamilyassociation.org. We are a volunteer organization and we love hearing from new Dillman researchers — no question is too basic.