Surname Spelman - Meaning and Origin
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Spelman: What does the surname Spelman mean?
The surname Spelman is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English term "spellmann," which means "narrator" or "announcement man." This name was likely given to someone who had the occupation of a professional speaker who would announce the news or legal proclamations to the public in medieval England. Over time, this occupational name evolved into a surname for those whose ancestors held such roles. It is also possible that some families with this name may have Scandinavian ancestry, as the term "spelmann" in Old Norse had the same meaning - a storyteller or bard. Like many surnames of old English origin, the modern spelling has seen variations like Spilman, Spellman, and Spillman. The surname Spelman spread to different parts of Europe and North America with migration and colonization, so today you can find individuals with this surname all around the world.
Order DNA origin analysisSpelman: Where does the name Spelman come from?
The last name Spelman is most commonly found in English-speaking countries today. In the United Kingdom, it has been particularly widespread in the Midlands and East Anglia. However, it is also quite prevalent across the United States, particularly around the greater Boston area and the Midwest.
In England, the name Spelman derives from the Old French term 'espeler', which is a type of fabric merchant. Records of this surname date back to as early as the 14th century, when the Spelman family was located in Coley, Yorkshire. They later settled in other parts of Britain, such as Buckinghamshire, Suffolk, and Lancashire.
In America, the Spelman family originated in the Massachusetts Bay Colony and spread outwards from there. It is thought that the first recorded person with the surname there was James Spelman, who came to the US in 1644. He then took up residency in Stratford, Connecticut.
The Spelman name has also spread further afield into Ireland and by the 19th century, it had become common throughout the country. The surname can still be found in most English-speaking countries today, and is particularly widespread in the United States.
Variations of the surname Spelman
Spelman is an English surname. The first recorded spelling of the family name is believed to be in the late 11th century in the Old English spelling of "Splemann". It is believed to derive from a place name, possibly Spellanhope, a village located in Devonshire, England. Other variants of the surname include Spellman, Spillman, Spilman, and Splman.
Spellman is the most common variant, originating in Ireland. The origination of this variant is spelled Spealman, Sleman or Slemen. Spelling variations of this variant include Speelman, Spilman, Splman, Spelman, Spellman, Spielman, and Spilmann.
Spillman is most likely derived from the German language. Spillman could be a variation of Spillmann, meaning “manfrom the valley”. Spelling variations of this variant include Spillman, Spillmann, Spielman, and Spelman.
Spilman is a variant of the surname Spelman. Spelling variations of Spilman include Spelman, Splman, Spilmann, and Splmann.
Splman is believed to originate in Scotland, and spelling variations of this variant include Spirmans, Spullman, Splman, Spelman, Spuelman, and Spulman.
Spuelman is also a variant of the surname Spelman likely originating in Scotland. Spelling variations of this variant include Spulman, Speelman, Splman, Spelman, Spulman, and Spulmons.
Regardless of the variant or spelling, all of these surnames originate from the same family name - Spelman.
Famous people with the name Spelman
- Maci Spelman: Professional wakeboarder and aerial skier
- Rachel Spelman: Professional professional storyteller and magician
- Katherine Parr Spelman: British barrister and leading figure in the international commercial court
- Lewis Spelman: 19th century English football player
- Lieutenant General Kevin J. Spelman: Retired commander of the United States Army
- Jane Spelman: British author and TV producer
- Simon Spelman: British actor and television personality
- Henry Spelman: 17th century English historian and antiquary
- Diana Spelman: Professor Emerita of Plant Pathology at Cornell University
- Emma Spelman: Professional hurdler and athlete