Surname Kelman - Meaning and Origin
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Kelman: What does the surname Kelman mean?
The last name Kelman is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Scots Gaelic words "ceann", which means "head", and "laoch" which means "warrior", hence, it can be interpreted as the "head warrior". It was typically used to refer to leaders or heads of clans in the ancient Scottish Highlands. Kelman can also be a variant of the name Kellman in some European cultures, especially those of Germanic origin. Kellman is derived from the Middle High German term "kelman", which means "man with a helmet" or "helmeted man", indicating a battle-prepared warrior. Thus, in both cases, the surname Kelman signifies someone with strength, leadership, and courage. However, like many surnames, the exact origin and meaning can vary greatly, depending heavily on regional and historical contexts.
Order DNA origin analysisKelman: Where does the name Kelman come from?
The surname Kelman is of Scottish origin, specifically from the region of Aberdeenshire in the northeastern part of the country. The name is believed to be derived from the Gaelic word 'ceall', meaning 'church', and 'man', essentially translating to 'churchman'. Therefore, those bearing this surname likely had ancestors who were deeply involved in church or religious affairs.
Today, the surname Kelman can still be found in Scotland, but like many other surnames it has also been spread around the world due to historical migration patterns. It is particularly common in countries which experienced significant Scottish immigration such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. Multiple variants of the surname exist, owing to the variations and evolutions in spellings over the centuries. Despite this, the distribution of the surname still tends to be more concentrated in countries with a historical connection to Scotland.
Variations of the surname Kelman
The surname Kelman can have several variants and may be linked to different origins. Variations on the spelling can include Kellman, Kellmann, Kellmon, Kelmon, and Kelmun. Kellman can also be a Swedish variant, having the same meaning, but derived from different ancestry.
In some instances, it might be a patronymic surname derived from the medieval personal name Kelman, itself a variation of Kjellman from the Old Norse Kjellmund. From Yiddish or Jewish origins, Kelman or Kellman are usually Americanized forms of several like-sounding Jewish surnames, often derived from personal names like Kalman or Kollman.
In Scottish tradition, Kelman is a reduced form of McKellman, an anglicized form of Mac Giolla Mhin, an Irish Gaelic patronymic name meaning 'son of the servant of (Saint) Maolmin'.
Therefore, the surnames Kelman, Kellman, or McKellman may indicate related families, depending on their geographic and ethnic origins. Also, as with many surnames, spelling over centuries might have varied based on phonetic interpretation, translation, or region. Always consider these variants when researching genealogy or family history.
Famous people with the name Kelman
- Bob Kelman: American film director and producer best known for his work in the 2000s.
- Rafi Kelman: British singer and songwriter.
- Harvey Kelman: American playwright and professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association from 1957 to 1967.
- David Kelman: Canadian former competitive figure skater.
- Cameron Kelman: American actor, best known for his roles in the films Gifted and Birdshot.
- Corey Kelman: American professional lacrosse player who currently plays as attack for the Chesapeake Bayhawks of Major League Lacrosse.
- Melinda Kelman: American actress, best known for her roles in the films Just Friends, Pariah, and The Tournament.
- Rachel Kelman: Canadian former competitive figure skater.
- Liza Kelman: American actress and model, best known for her roles in the films Saving Grace and Too Late.
- George Kelman: American vaudeville and radio performer and television personality, best remembered for his roles in the musical comedy series Easy Aces.