sõgema

Sõgema is a Estonian surname. It is a relatively uncommon surname, with the majority of bearers residing in Estonia. The origin of the surname is not definitively known, but it is thought to be derived from a word related to "sõge" which can mean "crazy" or "mad" in Estonian. However, surnames derived from such terms were often adopted for reasons unrelated to a literal characteristic. Alternative theories suggest a connection to geographical locations or occupational names, though evidence for these is scarce.

The surname sõgema is primarily found in Estonia. While there are small numbers of individuals with the surname in other countries, likely due to emigration, the concentration remains in its country of origin. The distribution within Estonia shows a tendency for families to have settled in specific regions over time, a common pattern for many surnames. The historical records indicate the presence of the sõgema surname dating back several centuries, suggesting a long-standing lineage. Research into genealogical databases and historical documents would be necessary for a more detailed understanding of its historical spread and family connections.