Surname Cashman - Meaning and Origin

Cashman: What does the surname Cashman mean?

The surname Cashman is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic term "O'Ciosain," which means "descendant of the tribute bearer." The "O" prefix translates to "grandson of" or "descendant of," and "Ciosain" is thought to come from "cios," meaning "tribute," with an "an" suffix, meaning "one who does or performs." Thus, the name essentially refers to someone who collects or delivers tributes, likely pointing toward an ancestor who held this role. The surname gained prominence through historical figures carrying the name, notably individuals playing significant roles in religious history. The surname is found predominantly in the County Kerry and County Cork areas of Ireland. Today, bearers of the Cashman surname can be found worldwide, especially in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the UK, due to historical patterns of Irish emigration.

Cashman: Where does the name Cashman come from?

The surname Cashman is of Irish origin, deriving from the Gaelic "O'Coscraigh," meaning victorious or triumphant. It traces back to the southern counties of Ireland, particularly Cork and Kerry. It is believed to have originated from an ancient Irish clan or sept.

While the surname is still quite prevalent in Ireland today, the effects of Irish diaspora over the centuries have spread bearers of the Cashman surname across the western world. It is now quite common in countries with high Irish immigrant populations such as the United States, Australia, and Canada. On a global scale, the United States has the highest number of people with the Cashman surname. Its presence is particularly notable in areas of the United States with historically strong Irish communities, such as Massachusetts and New York. In Australia, the surname is prevalent due to Irish transportation in the 19th century. Thus, the Cashman surname has a rich and diverse geographic spread, reflecting the history and movement of Irish people worldwide.

Variations of the surname Cashman

The surname Cashman is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name Ó Ciosáin. There are several spelling variations and surnames of the same origin. Some of these different spellings include Cashin, Casheon, Cashon, Cashion, and Cushen. Cashen is another documented variant.

In Ireland, the variations often come from different geographical regions and dialects. The surname is particularly associated with County Cork. Cashman surnames may also be anglicized forms of the Gaelic name, which is converted into a format that's more familiar to English speakers.

Some variations could be due to simplification over time or due to transcription errors in record keeping. Irish names that migrated to the United States or other English speaking countries also underwent changes due to pronunciation and social assimilation. For this reason, Cashman could be a variant of any other Irish surname with a similar root or pronunciation regardless of spelling.

Though there are a number of surnames and variant spellings, they all mostly lead back to the original Gaelic Ó Ciosáin.

Famous people with the name Cashman

• Brian Cashman: He is a well-known American sports executive who has served as the general manager and senior vice-president of New York Yankees since 1998.
• Kevin Cashman: He is a globally recognized leadership development consultant, author, and speaker.
• Frank Cashman: A popular American songwriter during the Tin Pan Alley era, known for his collaborations with lyricist Edward Madden.
• Mary Cashman: An American nurse who served during the Spanish-American War.
• Patrick Cashman: A famous Australian rules footballer who played for Collingwood during the 1920s.
• Chris Cashman: He is a familiar name in Seattle's broadcasting circle serving as a television host, writer, and producer.
• John Cashman: A well-respected American horse harness driver and trainer.
• Laura Cashman: A British academic at Canterbury Christ Church University specializing in equality and diversity.
• Dr. Teresa Cashman: Known for her work as a clinical psychologist.
• Marty Cashman: A notable name in southwest Pennsylvania basketball coaching circles.
• Larry Cashman: A former American politician who served in the Minnesota House of Representatives.
• Mick Cashman: A former Australian rules footballer who played for Fitzroy in the Victorian Football League. These are just a few examples, as there are likely many more individuals with the surname Cashman in various local, national, and international circles.

Other surnames

Cashmore