Surname Feldman - Meaning and Origin

Unraveling Ancestral Threads through DNA: My Personal Discovery of Feldman's History and Culture

Embarking on a journey of self-discovery through my iGENEA DNA test results, I learnt about the fascinating history and cultural facets of my surname, Feldman. This genetic exploration opened new horizons into the captivating origins rooted in central Europe, the agricultural implications of the name, and migratory patterns that have shaped the tapestry of my ancestry.

L. Feldman

Feldman: What does the surname Feldman mean?

The surname Feldman is of Ashkenazi Jewish or German origin, deriving from the Middle High German words "veld," meaning "field," and "man," meaning man. Hence, Feldman can be translated as "man from the field," indicating that the name could be occupational in nature. Possibly, the original Feldman could have been a farmer or someone who worked or lived in the fields. Alternatively, it could also indicate someone who lived near open fields or grasslands. Like many surnames, Feldman is not exclusive to one community; it can be found in various countries and among different cultures. It's important to note that a last name may not necessarily determine an individual's lineage or ancestry as surnames can change over generations due to various reasons including marriage, adoption, or personal choice.

Feldman: Where does the name Feldman come from?

The surname Feldman is of Ashkenazi Jewish origin, sometimes also spelled as Feldmann or Feldmann. The name fuses two German words, "feld" meaning "field," and "mann" meaning "man". Essentially, Feldman translates to "man of the field" or "farmer". It was commonly adopted during the period when German-speaking Jews were compelled to adopt hereditary surnames, which was around the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Today, the Feldman surname can predominantly be found in the United States and Israel due to migration waves over the centuries. It also remains common in Germany and other European countries. There are significant numbers as well in Canada, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Australia. The largest per capita concentration of individuals with the Feldman surname is in Israel. This widespread diaspora reflects the movement of Jewish populations over time, both voluntarily and as a result of historical upheavals.

Variations of the surname Feldman

The surname Feldman has German Jewish origins, and its varied spellings and similar surnames can be attributed to regional differences, translations, and phonetic spellings. The name Feldman means "field man", often indicating an ancestral profession related to agriculture or land ownership.

Variants and spellings of Feldman may include Feldmann, Feldmen, Veldman, Fieldman, and Feltman. Sometimes, the name might be changed slightly such as Felman or Felmen. In some cases, the "Feld" could be replaced with its English equivalent, to give names like Fieldman or Fieldsman.

For more direct translations, the name can alter based on country of residence, for instance, the Dutch equivalent would be Veldman, translating directly to "field man".

Similarly, the inclusion of extra letters such as “n” adding Feldmann, which is a common variation in Germany. In the same vein, absence of “d” can form Felman and the substitution or complete removal of vowels can lead to names like Feldmn or Fldman.

However, all these names retain the core connotation of the original surname Feldman, referring back to some agricultural or land-related profession.

Famous people with the name Feldman

• Corey Feldman: An American actor known for his roles in movies like "The Goonies" and "Stand By Me".
• Marty Feldman: An English comedy writer, comedian and actor, popular for his role in "Young Frankenstein".
• Andrew Feldman: An English professional poker player, known as one of the youngest millionaires in poker.
• Ben Feldman: An American actor recognized for his role in the television series "Superstore".
• Charles K. Feldman: A Hollywood attorney, film producer, and talent agent.
• Edwin J. Feldman: A retired Judge of the U.S. Tax Court.
• David Feldman: An Emmy award-winning American comedy writer and performer.
• Deborah Feldman: An American author known for her autobiographical work, "Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots".
• Scott Feldman: An American professional baseball pitcher.
• Cassie Feldman: An American actress known from the film "Nobody Walks in L.A."
• Adam Feldman: An American journalist and film critic.
• Allan Feldman: An esteemed professor known globally for his work in educational anthropology.
• Ruth Duskin Feldman: An American writer and editor known specially for her Holocaust memoir, "The Diary of Laura's Twin".

Other surnames

FeldmairFeldmannFeldmayerFeldmeierFeldmeirFeldmeyerFeldmüller