Coleman

Coleman is a popular surname of British origin with roots in both English and Irish history. The surname "Coleman" is derived from the Old English personal name Cola, meaning "charcoal". Over time, this name evolved into "Coleman" and became established as a hereditary surname.

Origin and Meaning

The name Coleman has various origins depending on the region. In England, it is often considered to be a topographical surname referring to someone who lived near a coal or charcoal burner. In Ireland, the name is an anglicized form of the Gaelic surname Ó Colmáin, meaning "descendant of Colman". Colman is an ancient Irish personal name derived from the elements col, meaning "dove", and mán, meaning "little".

Distribution and Popularity

The surname Coleman is widely distributed across the United Kingdom and has a rich history dating back centuries. It is particularly prevalent in Ireland, where individuals with the surname can be found in various counties. The popularity and distribution of the surname Coleman have also extended globally, with descendants of the name residing in countries such as the United States, Australia, and Canada.

Notable Individuals

  • Gary Coleman (1968-2010) - American actor best known for his role in the television sitcom "Diff'rent Strokes".
  • Jenna Coleman (b. 1986) - English actress famous for her roles in "Doctor Who" and "Victoria".
  • Ornette Coleman (1930-2015) - Influential American jazz saxophonist and composer.

In Summary

The surname Coleman is a prominent British surname with both English and Irish origins. Its history is deeply intertwined with coal and charcoal production in England and the ancient Irish name Colman. The name has been borne by numerous noteworthy individuals and continues to be a common surname in the UK and beyond.

There are approximately 35,860 people named Coleman in the UK. That makes it the 212th most common surname in Britain. Around 551 in a million people in Britain are named Coleman.

Surname type: Occupational name

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Robert

Female

  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Rebecca
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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