Surname Colman - Meaning and Origin

Colman: What does the surname Colman mean?

The surname Colman is of both Irish and English origins. In Irish descent, it is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic "O'Colmain", meaning "descendant of Colman". The personal name Colman is derived from two elements: "colm" meaning "dove", and the diminutive suffix "-an". Doves in early Christianity were a symbol of the Holy Spirit and the name was adopted in its honor.

The English derivation of the surname comes from the Middle English name "Coleman", which pertains to one who was involved in the coal trade, acting either as a burner of charcoal, miner of coal, or one who sold coal. The surname on its own can be translated to “one who gathers or sells coal”. It’s also possible it was given to someone with a dark or gloomy disposition, akin to coal.

Because many surnames have evolved and intermingled over centuries and regions, the last name Colman may have multiple origins and meanings, depending on one's ancestral history.

Colman: Where does the name Colman come from?

The surname Colman has both Irish and English origins. In Ireland, it derived from the Irish Gaelic personal name "Colmán," composed of elements "colm," meaning dove, and the diminutive suffix "-án." This Colman clan comes from county Sligo in the Irish province of Connacht. As an English surname, Colman is believed to descend from a personal name of the same spelling, which was derived from two Old Norse names, "Kolr," meaning "charcoal," and "Mann," meaning "man." The Colman English families were found in various areas including counties Suffolk, Surrey, and Sussex.

Today, the surname Colman is common throughout many parts of the English-speaking world but especially in England, Ireland, and the United States. In fact, the name's geographical spread extends to Australia and parts of Europe. Despite this, the largest concentration of individuals with the last name Colman still resides in England and Ireland. Evidence that it remains an established surname in these countries can be found in the multiple prominent British and Irish figures, past and present, who bear this surname.

Variations of the surname Colman

The surname Colman has various variants and spellings which include Coleman, Coalman, Coulman, Colmann, Colmain, Kolman, Kolmann, and Coalmen. Some of these variants have likely evolved due to differences in regional languages and dialects.

The surname is believed to have originated from two possible sources. Firstly, it may have originated from the Old Norse name Kolr, which could mean "charcoal", suggesting a possible occupational origin as "coal man". It could also have derived from the Gaelic personal name "Colmán". This comes from the compound name of "colm", meaning dove, and the diminutive suffix "-án".

Moreover, there may be Jewish surnames which sound similar such as Kuhlmann or Kahleman, which have different origins altogether.

These variations of the surname could have different regional distributions and cultural backgrounds, demonstrating the diversity and rich history of such a name. Whether as an occupational descriptor or stemming from a religious undertone, families bearing variations of the surname have spread across the globe, especially within Europe and North America. The name has had historical presence in Germany, Ireland, England and later in the United States.

Famous people with the name Colman

• Olivia Colman: An English actress famous for her roles in "The Favourite," "The Crown," and "Broadchurch." She won an Academy Award for Best Actress for "The Favourite."
• Ronald Colman: A British actor who won an Academy Award for his role in "A Double Life." He appeared in several Hollywood films during the 1930s and 1940s.
• Jenna Colman: Also known as Jenna-Louise Coleman, she's an English actress known for her role as Clara Oswald in "Doctor Who."
• Chick Colman: A 20th-century American actor who had 196 appearances in various film works, primarily in silent movies.
• Charlotte Colman: An English actress, best known for her role as Char in the sitcom "Waiting for God."
• Terry Colman: A British actor, especially known for his roles in 'Brothers and Sisters,' 'The Outcast,' and 'Incarcerated.'
• Cy Colman: An American composer, songwriter, and jazz pianist, Colman was particularly influential in musical theater, best known for his hit musicals "Sweet Charity" and "City of Angels."
• Eden Colman: A British actor, known for his role in the Netflix original series "Sex Education."
• Chase Colman: An American actor and musician known for his roles in "The Originals" and "Boardwalk Empire."
• Dabney Coleman: An American actor known for his various roles in movies such as "9 to 5" and "On Golden Pond."

Other surnames

Colmann