Surname Kolman - Meaning and Origin

Kolman: What does the surname Kolman mean?

The surname Kolman is of German origin and is derived from a personal name, Kolman or Coleman. Kolman or Coleman is a compound of two Old German words, "kol", meaning "coal" and "man". This was likely an occupational surname originally given to a person who mined or sold coal or charcoal. The surname Kolman could also have Jewish origins, derived from the Hebrew name Kalman, meaning "merciful" or "gentle". The spelling variations of the surname can include Coleman, Kolmann, Kohlmann amongst others. Like many surnames, the exact origins and meaning can be complex to deduce. Often, names were adapted, anglicized, or changed based on immigration, regional dialects, or personal choice.

Kolman: Where does the name Kolman come from?

The surname Kolman is of Eastern European Jewish and German origin. The name is derived from the personal name "Coleman" or "Koloman", which means "dove" in Old Greek. The name Koloman was popular among the Germanic tribes in the Middle Ages due to St. Koloman, an Irish monk whose popularity spread in Europe. This led to the popularity of Kolman as a surname.

In Jewish communities, especially in the Ashkenazi Jewish ethnicity, the surname Kolman is also common. It might have been adopted as a patronymic name, meaning it was based on the name of a father or ancestral figure.

Today, the surname Kolman is most prevalent in the United States, with a substantial number of families bearing the surname also found in Israel, after a surge in Jewish migration in the 20th century. In Europe, it can be relatively common in countries like the Czech Republic, Germany and, especially, in Austria due to historic reference to Saint Koloman. It's also encountered, with a lower frequency, in English speaking countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada or Australia.

Variations of the surname Kolman

The surname Kolman has several spellings and variants. These come from different regions around the world, often due to variations in language and pronunciation. Variants and similar surnames include Coleman, Kolmann, Kollman, Kohlman, Kolmon, Kuhlman, and Culmann.

Surnames of the same origin typically come from Middle High German and it means a 'man from Coal'. It's an occupational surname for a charcoal burner or coal merchant. Therefore, linked surnames would include the variations and synonyms in languages such as German, English, Irish, and more.

In English, the form "Coleman" is common. The Irish Gaelic variant is "O'Colmain" or "Mac Colmain," with the prefixes "O" and "Mac" meaning "descendant" and "son," respectively. There's also the Dutch form, "Koolman."

Variants of the surname "Kolman" may have evolved over time, influenced by geographical location, local language and dialects. One must be careful when tracing back genealogical roots as different spellings do not necessarily suggest relationships or common origin.

Famous people with the name Kolman

• Joseph Kolman: An American playwright who's famous for his play "Hard Love" which earned international acclaim.
• Pavel Kolman: A Czech slalom canoeist who has competed since the late 1990s. He won two medals in the C1 team event at the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships.
• Cecilia Kolmann: A Venezuelan violinist who has performed with numerous renowned orchestras.
• Antonín Kolman: A professional footballer from the Czech Republic who has played for several successful clubs.
• Ladislav Kolman: Brother of Pavel Kolman, he's also a Czech slalom canoeist. He's won a bronze medal in the C2 team event at the 2017 European Championships.
• Kolman Helmschmid: A notable German armourer active during the first half of 16th century. These are a few of the people with the last name Kolman who gained fame in their respective fields. Please note that the popularity of these individuals may vary based on geography and cultural familiarity with their respective domains.

Other surnames

Kolmann