Shipman

The surname Shipman traces its origins to medieval England, where it was a occupational name for a mariner or a shipman. The name derives from the Old English word "scip" meaning "ship" and the Middle English word "man" referring to a person.

The Shipman surname is mainly found in the British Isles, particularly in regions with a strong maritime history such as coastal areas and ports. Over time, individuals bearing the Shipman surname likely became associated with seafaring professions or communities.

Notable individuals with the Shipman surname include Harold Shipman (1946-2004), an infamous British doctor who was one of the most prolific serial killers in recorded history. Harold Shipman, also known as Dr Death, was convicted of murdering 15 patients under his care, although the actual number of his victims is believed to be much higher.

Today, the Shipman surname continues to be present in the United Kingdom and other parts of the world, with many individuals proudly bearing this name and upholding its historical significance.

There are approximately 1,989 people named Shipman in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,236th most common surname in Britain. Around 31 in a million people in Britain are named Shipman.

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

  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Jonathan
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Alison
  • Britt
  • Claire
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Linda
  • Lorraine
  • Margaret
  • Michelle
  • Patricia
  • Rebecca
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

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

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