The surname Coman is of Romanian and Italian origin. In Romania, it's derived from the personal name Cuman, which was given to people who lived in the area known as Cumania, a state inhabited by nomadic Turkic-Mongol tribes called the Cumans or Polovtsians. In Italy, the name could have been an occupational surname for someone who worked as a messenger (in Italian "comandare" means to command), or it could be a habitational name from places named Comano in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol and Lombardy regions.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Coman
The meaning and origin of the last name Coman
The surname Coman is of Old French origin, derived from various given names that were popular during the Middle Ages. One possible origin stems from the personal name "Comin," which was a diminutive of the name "Gomme" or "Gaufridis." Another theory suggests that it could be a nickname for a person with curly hair, derived from the Old French word "comain," meaning 'locks.' Over time, these names were Anglicized to form the modern surname Coman in English-speaking countries. The name is most commonly found in Romania, where it is one of the country's top 100 most common surnames.
Geographical distribution of the last name Coman
The surname Coman has its roots predominantly in Romania and Moldova, where it is one of the most common names in these countries. It originates from the Romanian word "coman," meaning shepherd or herdsman. There are also significant numbers of people with this last name in neighboring regions such as Hungary, Ukraine, and other parts of Eastern Europe due to historical migrations and cultural exchange. In addition, there are smaller groups of Comans in various countries worldwide, particularly in North America and Australia, where they have emigrated from Romania and other European countries over the past centuries.
Variants and spellings of the last name Coman
The surname Coman can have various spelling variations due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Here are some common variations:
These variations can be found in different countries and regions, reflecting the name's historical migration patterns. It is essential to note that the correct spelling of a surname may vary depending on individual preferences, regional traditions, or historical contexts.
Famous people with the last name Coman
Notable individuals with the surname Coman include:
1. Adrian Coman (born 1983), a Romanian-American law professor at the George Washington University Law School, known for his work on same-sex marriage cases in the United States.
2. Gheorghe Coman (1945-2016), a Romanian politician who served as Minister of Defense and General Inspector of the Armed Forces.
3. Nicolae Coman (born 1982), a Romanian football player who played as a defender for clubs like Steaua București and Rapid București.
4. Silviu Coman (born 1951), a Romanian actor known for his roles in films such as "După-amiază de vineri" and "Mihai Viteazul".
These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields, including law, politics, sports, and entertainment.
Genealogical research on the last name Coman
The surname Coman originates from several possible sources, with two primary origins suggested: one being of French origin and the other of Romanian origin. In France, Coman is derived from the personal name Cumont, which means "helmet" in Old German. This surname was first recorded in Normandy during the 12th century. In Romania, Coman is a patronymic surname derived from the Romanian given name Coman, which means "companion." The earliest records of this variant date back to the 16th century in Transylvania. Over time, the surname has been found across Europe, with significant populations in France, Romania, and the United Kingdom. Notable figures bearing the name include Romanian poet Mihai Coman (1870-1943) and French actor Jean-Pierre Comtet (born 1945).
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
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