Surname Silverman - Meaning and Origin

A journey into self-discovery: How my iGENEA DNA test adventure reshaped my persona and honoured the Silverman name

Taking the iGENEA DNA test opened up a world of discovery about my lineage. Tracing my roots back to Eastern Europe and Scandinavia, this test brought a profound understanding and appreciation for my family history and the surname Silverman.

V. Silverman

Silverman: What does the surname Silverman mean?

The surname Silverman is of Ashkenazi Jewish origin, derived from the Yiddish word "zilberman" which literally translates to "silver man". This could indicate a number of things about the original bearers of the name. It might suggest they were silversmiths by profession, creating items out of silver or handling silver in some way. Alternatively, it could be more symbolic, referring to a person with silver-haired or someone known for their honesty and trustworthiness, as "silver-tongued". Given the geographical spread of the Ashkenazi Jewish diaspora, the surname Silverman is found in many different countries today. Like many Jewish surnames, it is relatively recent, as the regular usage of hereditary surnames began around the 18th century in Eastern Europe. Regardless, it is a name indicative of Jewish heritage and one that many bear with pride.

Silverman: Where does the name Silverman come from?

The last name Silverman is most commonly seen in several countries around the world. In the United States, Silverman is one of the top 1,000 surnames. According to the 1990 United States Census, it is the 635th most common last name. In the United Kingdom, the last name Silverman is ranked 431st. In Canada, it is the 637th most common surname. In Germany, it is the 1030th most popular surname.

Other countries that have a significant number of people with the surname Silverman are Austria, Belarus, Russia, and Sweden. Silverman is also prevalent in Argentina and Israel, although it is not as common as in the other countries previously mentioned. In Argentina, Silverman is the 4406th most common surname, and in Israel, it is the 2520th most common last name. Overall, Silverman is a surname found in many countries around the world.

Variations of the surname Silverman

Silverman is a surname of many origins. It is derived from the German word silber, which means silver, and the suffix -mann meaning man. It is commonly found in German, Jewish, and American families. The variations and spellings of Silverman are as follows:

In German: Silbermann, Silbermam, Silberman, Silbermacher.

In Jewish: Silverman, Silvermann, Silvermam, Silvermann, Silvermacher, Silberstein.

In American: Sylverman, Slyverman, Sylvesterman.

In French: Silveman, Silvéman, Sylvéman, Sylverman.

In Scandinavian: Siljerman, Siljemann, Silgemann, Sillegmann, Silvermann.

In Scottish: Silvermann, Silvermane, Silvormane.

In English: Sylverman, Slyverman, Silverman, Silvermann, Silbermann, Silvermane.

The Silverman surname is also found in many combined names, such as Silverman-Freedman, Silverman-Cohen, Silverman-Kaufman, and Silverman-Fry. It is also occasionally spelled Silvermass or Silvernass. The Silverman name is also found in some Italian, Polish, Russian, and Spanish surnames.

In Italian: Silvermani, Silvermini.

In Polish: Silverman, Silwerman.

In Russian: Silvernitsky, Silvernykh.

In Spanish: Silverio, Silvera.

The origins of the Silverman surname can be traced to Germany, Scandinavia, and Scotland. However, as the world has become more connected, the Silverman surname can be found spread throughout many parts of the world.

Famous people with the name Silverman

• Sarah Silverman: American stand-up comedian, actress, producer, writer, and musician
• Amy Silverman: American author and journalist
• Bainum Silverman: co-founders of Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
• Eric Silverman: American comedian and actor
• Eugene Silverman: American politician
• Herbert Silverman: American mathematician
• Ken Silverman: author, game programmer and musician
• Lisa Silverman: anime character
• Maury Silverman: Jewish American educator and political activist
• Max Silverman: American writer and editor
• Michael Silverman: American lawyer and professor
• Neal Silverman: American television writer and producer
• Rachel Silverman: American attorney
• Robert Silverman: American pianist and music professor
• Sarah Silverman: American feminist author, jewellery designer
• Stephen Silverman: British-American author and journalist
• Stuart Silverman: American physician and researcher

Other surnames

Silvermann