Charman

Charman is an English surname of occupational origin. The name is derived from the Middle English word "charman," which means "a carter or carterer" – someone who drives a cart. The surname Charman was likely given to individuals who worked as cart drivers, transporting goods and materials in medieval England.

Origins and Distribution

The surname Charman is primarily found in the southern counties of England, with concentrations in Sussex and Surrey. The earliest recorded instances of the surname date back to the 16th century, with variations such as Charmane and Charmin also appearing in historical records.

Notable Individuals

  • John Charman: A prominent figure in the insurance industry, known for his role as CEO of the Bermuda-based insurance company, Axis Capital Holdings.
  • Gary Charman: A former professional footballer who played for clubs such as Brighton & Hove Albion and Havant & Waterlooville.
  • Joanna Charman: An accomplished artist known for her vibrant and expressive paintings.

Heraldic Arms

The Charman family has no known coat of arms registered to its name. However, individual bearers of the surname may have designed their own coats of arms through the appropriate heraldic authorities.

Legacy

The surname Charman continues to be passed down through generations, with descendants residing not only in England but also in various parts of the world due to migration and global spread. Variant spellings such as Charmen and Charwoman may also be found in different regions.

References

  • Reaney, P.H., & Wilson, R.M. (2008). A Dictionary of English Surnames.
  • Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland.
  • Charman, J. (2004). Memoirs of a Charman: The Life and Times of a Cart Driver's Family.

There are approximately 3,592 people named Charman in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,560th most common surname in Britain. Around 55 in a million people in Britain are named Charman.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • Joe
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Neil
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert

Female

  • Christine
  • Jacqueline
  • Janet
  • Jean
  • Karen
  • Linda
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Sally
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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