Last Name Feldman

The surname Feldman is of German and Jewish origins. It derives from the Middle High German word "veld," meaning "field," and the German diminutive suffix "-mann," which means "little man." Hence, Feldman originally meant "little field man" or "dweller on a small field." However, in some cases, it may also have Hebrew roots. In Hebrew, "feld" can mean "journey" or "pilgrimage," and "man" can be translated as "ben," resulting in the meaning of "son of the traveler." This is a common occurrence for Jewish last names, given the historical practice of adopting occupational or geographical names due to religious reasons. It's important to note that surnames like Feldman have been influenced by various languages and cultures throughout history, particularly in Eastern Europe where Jewish populations were concentrated, so its exact origin may vary depending on specific lineages.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Feldman

The meaning and origin of the last name Feldman

The surname Feldman is of German and Jewish origin. It translates to "stone man" in German, derived from the Old High German word 'feld' meaning 'field' or 'open country,' and 'mann' meaning 'man.' In the context of Jewish naming practices, it may have been a topographic name for someone who lived on open ground dotted with stones. The name Feldman is common among Ashkenazi Jews, particularly in Eastern Europe, due to historical migration patterns and adoption of Germanic surnames as part of their identity during the Middle Ages. Notable figures with the surname Feldman include physicist Murray Gell-Mann and actor James Caan.

Geographical distribution of the last name Feldman

The surname Feldman has a notable distribution across various regions worldwide, primarily due to historical Jewish migrations and settlements. A significant concentration can be found in countries with large Jewish populations such as Israel, the United States, Canada, France, and Germany. In the U.S., Feldman is among the most common Jewish surnames and is particularly prevalent in New York and other northeastern states due to heavy immigration from Eastern Europe during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In Israel, it ranks as one of the top 500 most common surnames. Smaller but noticeable populations can also be found in countries like South Africa, Australia, and the United Kingdom, reflecting further dispersals from Eastern Europe and Middle Eastern migrations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Feldman

The surname Feldman has several variations and spellings, largely due to differences in transliteration from various languages and regional dialects over time. Some common variations include Fieldman, Fel'dman, Feldermann, and Feil'dman. These variations can stem from different methods of spelling conventions or phonetic interpretations. Other less common versions might be Feldmann (German), Fel'dmans (Russian), or Feldhmann (Swiss-German). Additionally, it is not uncommon for individuals to alter their surname upon immigration or naturalization, which can further contribute to the multitude of spellings.

Famous people with the last name Feldman

Among notable individuals with the surname Feldman are: Harvey Fierstein, an American playwright, actor, and drag queen best known for his work in stage and film, such as the plays "Torch Song Trilogy" and "Kinky Boots," for which he won Tony Awards. Another well-known figure is Corey Feldman, an American actor who rose to fame in the 1980s with roles in films like "The Goonies" and "Stand by Me." He has also pursued a career as a singer and songwriter. Lastly, Jon Favreau, an American actor, producer, and director, is also a Feldman. Known for his work on shows like "Friends," he gained wider recognition as the creator of Marvel Cinematic Universe series such as "Iron Man" and "The Mandalorian."

Genealogical research on the last name Feldman

The surname Feldman originates from Germany and Eastern Europe, specifically Jewish communities. The name is an occupational one derived from the German word "Feldmann," meaning a furrier or pelts dealer. In medieval times, the profession was often associated with the Jewish population due to historical trade restrictions.

The Feldman family migrated extensively in the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to religious persecution and economic hardship. Many Feldmans settled in the United States, particularly in New York City. Notable figures with this surname include Abraham Feldman, a prominent American politician, and David Feldman, an internationally recognized rare stamp dealer.

The genetic makeup of the Feldman family has been influenced by various Ashkenazi Jewish populations. Studies have identified specific founder effect mutations in the Feldman lineage, particularly those associated with Tay-Sachs disease and Gaucher disease, which are relatively common among Ashkenazi Jews due to historical population bottlenecks.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Feldman"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
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.
Last updated : 27 July 2025

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