Surname Schuman - Meaning and Origin

Schuman: What does the surname Schuman mean?

Schuman is a German and Jewish (Ashkenazic) surname popular mainly in Germany and Ashkenazic Jewish communities. It descends from the Middle High German term "schuochwürhte," which means shoemaker. Hence, the surname Schuman was often granted to people who worked as shoemakers or cobblers. Over time, various spelling modifications occurred due to regional dialects and phonetic spellings, leading to different versions such as Schuhmann, Schumann, and Schuhmacher. Among famous individuals with this surname are Robert Schuman, a notable French statesman and one of the founders of the European Union, and Robert Schumann, a prominent German composer and music critic. It's essential to note that the meanings and origins of surnames can be complex and multifaceted, resonating with historical, occupational, and geographical contexts.

Schuman: Where does the name Schuman come from?

The surname Schuman is commonly seen today in countries with a Germanic culture. It is most prevalent in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, where it was historically common as both an occupational and a locational name. In Germany, Schuman is the 17th most common surname, indicating its widespread usage in the country. The United States is also a popular location for the surname, with many U.S. citizens of German descent having adopted it.

In Germany, Schuman is derived from the middle High German word ‘schumann,’ which means a steward who operates a tributary estate or a profession that requires good judgement. In some cases, the surname is derived from living close to a blacksmith, derived from the German word ‘schumaas’ meaning ‘blacksmith.’

In the US, the surname is found in greatest numbers in states with a large German-speaking population. Pennsylvania is home to the largest population of Schumans in the US. This is largely due to the northern and western regions of the state being settled by many Germans during the 18th and 19th centuries. Texas, Indiana, Michigan, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Ohio are other states with high concentrations of Schuman households.

The Schuman surname is also frequently found in the United Kingdom. British immigrants may have adopted the surname upon arrival or a British family may have been given the name in honor of a German ancestor.

Variations of the surname Schuman

The surname Schuman has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Some common variants of Schuman are Schumann, Schömann, Schöman, Schwarmann, Schwerman, and Schwerm. At times, the name may also be spelled without the “n” or “m” at the end, such as Schu or Schue.

In German records, the Schuman form of the name is believed to have originated in the region of Swabia, located in modern-day Germany. The earliest records of the name date back to the 1500s in Munich. In the early 1700s, the surname is documented in Alsace, a region which is now part of modern-day France.

The Schuma surname is derived from the German word “schumann” which means “small woodsman” or someone who lives close to or in a wooded area. Another version of the origin of the surname suggests that the name is derived from the old German personal name “Schuimation”. This name was used to refer to someone who attributed himself or herself to the gods of nature.

The variants of the Schuman surname are also found in Jewish records, where the surname is sometimes spelled as Schuiman. This spelling lists individuals of Jewish descent who belonged to a synagogue in Amsterdam in the 1600s.

As the Schuman surname is fairly common in Europe, many other families have adapted this surname over the years. Families with the surnames Schueman, Schuemann, Shuman, Schumacher, and Schuton are all believed to be related to the Schuman surname.

Famous people with the name Schuman

• William Schuman: American composer and the third president of Juilliard School.
• Carole Schuman: American organist, composer, choir director and pedagogue.
• Carl E. Schuman: American lawyer and Senator from Wisconsin.
• Ruth Schuman: renowned American neurologist and medical educator.
• Charles Schuman: French statesman and President of the European Council from 1970 to 1972.
• Richard Max Schuman: influential American composer and professor of composition.
• Julius Schuman: German-born physicist, opthamologist and inventor.
• Christian Schumann: German chemist and philosopher of science.
• Alex Schuman: American investor and entrepreneur.
• Frederick Schuman: American historian and professor at Williams College.
• Mickey Schuman: American television writer and producer.
• Mike Schuman: Canadian singer/songwriter.
• Fred H. Schuman: American general and former Chief of the National Guard Bureau.
• Ahmet Ertegun: Turkish-American singer, songwriter, and record producer.
• Isaac M. Schuman: American medical doctor and health services researcher.
• Alfred Schuman: American military officer and lawyer.
• J. David Schuman: lawyer, journalist, author, and politician.
• Gordon Schuman: American television producer, writer, and director.
• Aaron Schuman: Photographer, Publisher, Editor and curator.
• Michael Schuman: music producer, musician and music journalist.

Other surnames

SchumacherSchumachersSchumaekerSchumaierSchumakerSchumannSchümannSchumayerSchumbertSchumeckersSchumeierSchumerSchumiacherSchummerSchummersSchumpert