Lyman

Overview

Lyman is a surname of English origin, derived from the medieval given name "Lefwin", itself a compound of the Old English elements "leof" meaning 'dear' and "wine" meaning 'friend'. The surname Lyman is widely distributed in the United Kingdom and has a rich history associated with it.

History

The Lyman surname has been found in various records dating back to the 11th century in England. It is believed to have originated in the East Anglia region of England and spread throughout the country over the centuries. The name has undergone several variations in spelling over time, including Lymon, Leman, and Limon.

The Lyman family has been associated with numerous notable individuals throughout history, including scholars, artists, and military figures. One of the most distinguished bearers of the Lyman name was Richard Lyman, an Oxford-educated clergyman and theologian from the 16th century.

Distribution

The surname Lyman is predominantly found in England, particularly in regions such as Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex. It has also been carried to other English-speaking countries through migration and settlement, notably the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Variants

Variants of the Lyman surname include Lymon, Leman, and Limon. These variations may be the result of regional dialects, changes in spelling conventions, or personal preferences.

Famous Bearers

  • Richard Lyman (1500–1578) – English clergyman and theologian
  • Helen Lyman (1839–1912) – British suffragette and social reformer
  • John Lyman (1886–1967) – Canadian artist and art collector

The Lyman surname continues to be passed down through generations, reflecting the enduring legacy of this ancient English name.

There are approximately 466 people named Lyman in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around seven in a million people in Britain are named Lyman.

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
  • Anthony
  • Christopher
  • David
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Robert

Female

  • Angela
  • Carol
  • Dawn
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Pamela
  • Rachel
  • Sacha
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Tracey
  • Yvonne

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.