Seaman

Background

Seaman is a British surname of medieval origins, deriving from the Old English word "seolformann," meaning "silver man." The surname likely originated as an occupational name for someone working with silver or as a miner or dealer in silver.

Distribution

The surname Seaman is most commonly found in England, particularly in the East Anglian region. It has spread to other English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, due to emigration patterns over the centuries.

Notable Individuals

  • Robert Seaman (1732–1787): An English sailor known for his navigational skills and contributions to the development of maritime technology during the Age of Exploration.

  • Florence Seaman (1887–1963): A British suffragette and social activist who played a significant role in the fight for women's rights in the early 20th century.

  • Peter Seaman (b. 1957): A British screenwriter known for his work on several successful films, including "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" and "Shrek the Third."

Variants

Variants of the surname Seaman include Seemann, Seamans, and Seman. These variations may have evolved over time due to changes in pronunciation and spelling practices.

References

  • Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.

  • Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.

There are approximately 4,967 people named Seaman in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,897th most common surname in Britain. Around 76 in a million people in Britain are named Seaman.

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
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert

Female

  • Christine
  • Diane
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Jacqueline
  • Jane
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Rebecca
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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