Surname Milman - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
Milman: What does the surname Milman mean?
The last name Milman is of Jewish descent. Its origin is derived from the Middle High German word milman, which translates to councilman or magistrate. It is likely that the name came about as a result of a mark of respect for someone who held a position of power or authority in a Jewish community. It is also possible that the name Milman was used to denote someone of higher social standing or a member of an aristocratic family.
The earliest verifiable occurrence of the name in preserved documents dates to 1402 in Austria. It had spread to nearby countries, such as Italy, Russia, and Hungary, by the 1700s. Additionally, the surname is found in many regions of the United States today, including California, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.
In Passover haggadot and other traditional Jewish texts, Milman is also an alternate name for the Biblical figure Moses, believed to be appointed by God to lead the Jews out of Egypt.
In modern times, the last name Milman is widely used by people of Jewish descent. It is a reminder of their ancestry, the magistrates and councils of old, and also of the figure of Moses. The name carries with it a sense of prestige and honor, linking individuals to their past and to the greater Jewish legacy.
Order DNA origin analysisMilman: Where does the name Milman come from?
The last name Milman is most commonly found in North America, though it can be found in countries around the world. It is particularly popular in the United States and Canada, with sizeable populations in England, Israel, Puerto Rico and South Africa.
In the United States, Milman is extremely prominent in New York City and its surrounding areas, with a larger incidence in Long Island and the Bronx. This prevalence is thought to be due to the high number of Jewish immigrants who settled in these regions in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Additionally, the surname is present in larger numbers across the Northeast states like Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey.
The Milman surname is of Ashkenazi Jewish origin, with many of its early bearers living in Russia and other parts of Eastern Europe prior to emigrating to the West, primarily from the late 1800s through the early part of the 20th century. As such, the name is present in many far-flung countries in areas with high Jewish populations including Russia, Argentina, the Dominican Republic and more.
Milman is thought to derive from the Hebrew name Milman or Melman, which is derived from the German name Mölman, meaning “orator,” or “person of influence.” In some cases, it is thought that the name also may have been derived from the occupation of milling grain.
Variations of the surname Milman
The surname Milman is of English origin, with variants such as Milmann, Milmon, Milmun, Milmen, and Milmung.
Milmann is an alternate spelling of Milman. It is usually found mostly in Germany and Switzerland. The same can be said of Milmun, a diminutive of Milman, which is found in Germany as well.
Milmen is a variant of Milman. It is relatively uncommon, but can also be found in Germany. Variations of the spelling can include Milmenn as well as Milmanne.
Milmung is a variant of Milman or Milmann, found in different parts of central Europe, including Germany and Hungary.
Finally, there is the rarest variant of Milman, Millman. It is usually found in Prussia and Austria.
Overall, the surname Milman has several variants, with most of them occurring in Germany, Switzerland, and other parts of central Europe. The variants Milmann, Milmon, Milmun, Milmen, Milmung, and Millman are all spellings that are connected to the single surname.
Famous people with the name Milman
- David Milman: Israeli businessman and former Chairman/CEO of IDB Holding Corporation.
- Miriam Margolyes: British character actress best known for her roles in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and The Age of Innocence, among others.
- Yael Milman: former corps dancer for the Los Angeles Ballet Company.
- Susanna Milman: South African visual artist known for her outdoor installations and fiber-based works.
- Yoni Milman: Israeli professional basketball player currently playing for Hapoel Eilat in the Israeli Basketball Premier League.
- Ruth Milman: member of the Israeli Delegation to the United Nations, as well as an international trade and environment negotiator.
- Eli Milman: former Israeli Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, and the European Union.
- Doron Milman: cyclist and Olympian who competed in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona.
- Yehuda Milman: Israeli American violinist and music educator, founder of the Milman Parry Music Collection at Harvard University.
- Zev Milman: composer and pianist, best known for his works inspired by Jewish music and culture.