Surname Oldman - Meaning and Origin

Oldman: What does the surname Oldman mean?

The surname Oldman is of Anglo-Saxon origin and it originated from the personal name, "Ealdman". This personal name is derived from the Old English pre 7th Century word "eald", meaning old, and "mann", meaning man. Therefore, "Ealdman" was typically used to describe an elder or a wise man in the community. As surnames developed, "Ealdman" evolved into several variations, including, but not limited to, Aldman, Oldman and Yeoman. It's important to note that "old" back then did not necessarily refer to physical age as it does now. It was often used to indicate affection, familiarity, or even to denote the continuity of a particular legacy. So, the literal translation of the Oldman surname could be "wise man" or "respected man". The surname Oldman became more prevalent around the 11th and 12th centuries, especially in the southern counties of Sussex, Surrey, and Kent in England. Today, it is found in many English-speaking countries around the world.

Oldman: Where does the name Oldman come from?

The surname Oldman is a fairly common name, primarily found in the English-speaking world. The earliest instance of the name was found in Northumberland, England in 1220, and the Oldman family once held a Coat of Arms and owned a large estate in Lincolnshire.

Today, the surname is shared by people in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Those home nations have experienced extensive migration from England over the centuries, and many of those immigrants brought their surnames of Oldman with them.

In addition to the British Isles, Oldman has been recorded as a surname in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, South Africa, and India. This legacy of migration and immigration has resulted in a meaningful global presence of this surname.

In the countries where the Oldman surname is most commonly found, the family is typically of English, German, or Polish origin. Few notable individuals share the surname of Oldman, including the British actor Gary Oldman, the creator of the classic video game Tomb Raider, Toby Gard, and the Chilean soccer player Thomas Oldman.

Given its international presence, the Oldman surname is likely a combination of many nations' ancestries. It can provide an interesting glimpse into a family's history and reveal the global journeys of earlier generations.

Variations of the surname Oldman

The surname Oldman has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These include Aldman, Allman, Oldeman, Alderman, Oldman, Aldmand, Olman, Ollman, and Oulman.

The use of Oldman as a surname dates back to the early history of the British Isles, specifically England. It was originally derived from the Old English word for "old one" or "elder" and is thought to have first been used as a title for someone who was of high rank or social standing.

This surname can also be found under the spelling “Alderman” which derived from the Anglo-Saxon word “ëaldor” meaning "chief" or “ruler.”

The original form of the word was “Alm” or “Almman” which is believed to have been spoken in Olde England.

The spelling “Aldman” is often used south of the UK and may be found in Germany and Scandinavian countries such as Sweden, Denmark, and Norway.

The spelling “Allman” is often used in North American countries like the United States and Canada.

Finally, the spelling “Olman” is believed to be the source of the variant spellings “Ollman” and “Oulman.” These two variants can be found throughout England, Scotland, and Ireland.

In conclusion, the many variants, spellings, and surnames of Oldman are Aldman, Allman, Oldeman, Alderman, Oldman, Aldmand, Olman, Ollman, and Oulman. All are derived from the Old English word for "old one" or "elder" and provide insight into the history of this surname.

Famous people with the name Oldman

• Gary Oldman: A British actor, filmmaker and musician, best known for his performances in the movies True Romance, The Dark Knight, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, and Darkest Hour, as well as his portrayal of Count Dracula in Bram Stoker's Dracula.
• Lillian Oldman: The British actress and singer, best known for her roles in Clueless, The Game of Life, and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
• Wilfred Oldman: British actor and director, most notable for his leading roles in The Jewel in the Crown, Sherlock Holmes, and The Great Escape.
• Paul Oldman: British actor and singer, most notable for his appearances in the films Dogma, Adventure With The Tramp, and Miss You Already.
• Sam Oldman: British actor and dancer, most notable for his roles in Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Captain Corelli's Mandolin, and Tristan & Isolde.
• John Oldman: American actor and musician, best known for his roles in The Mummy trilogy, National Treasure, and Terminator 2: Judgment Day.
• Tim Oldman: British actor and comedian, best known for his work on The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Not the Nine O'Clock News, and The Young Ones.
• Rob Oldman: American actor and producer, most known for his roles in Chronicles of Riddick, Life, and Superman III.
• Jane Oldman: British actress and producer, most noted for her work on the TV series The Professionals, The Forces of Nature, and The Bill.

Other surnames

OldmannOldmanns