Last Name Felman

Learn more about the origin of the last name Felman

The meaning and origin of the last name Felman

The surname Felman is of Jewish origin, specifically from Eastern Europe. It derives from the Hebrew name "Paltiel," which means "God has healed." Over time, this name underwent various transformations due to phonetic and orthographic changes during the Middle Ages and the Early Modern Period, eventually evolving into its current form in Western languages such as English. The surname Felman likely emerged when Jewish people were required to adopt surnames during the late Middle Ages, either by choice or by decree from local authorities. This was a common practice across Europe as part of efforts to organize and categorize populations for administrative purposes. Today, the surname Felman is relatively rare, but it can be found predominantly among Jewish communities, particularly those with Eastern European ancestry.

Geographical distribution of the last name Felman

The last name Felman is predominantly of Eastern European Jewish origin, with significant concentrations in Poland and Ukraine. Historically, many Jews bearing the surname Felman resided in the towns and cities of Galicia, a region that encompasses present-day western Ukraine and southeastern Poland. In more recent times, due to migration and diaspora events like the Holocaust and the post-war Jewish exodus from Europe, Felmans can be found in significant numbers across North America, Israel, Australia, and South America. Smaller clusters of this surname are also present in Western Europe, particularly in France and Germany. Overall, Felman is a relatively uncommon name globally, with the highest frequency occurring among Jewish populations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Felman

The surname Felman has several variations and spellings, providing different phonetic pronunciations for individuals from various cultural backgrounds. Common alterations include Felmann, Felmen, Felmanne, Felmane, Felmant, Felmont, and Felmounte. Each of these forms maintains the root "Felman," but may differ in spelling based on regional dialects or linguistic influences, as well as personal preference. It's essential to note that surnames often evolve over time, reflecting changes in language, migration patterns, and cultural assimilation. Regardless of its specific spelling, the name Felman is a unique identifier for individuals around the world with diverse lineages.

Famous people with the last name Felman

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Genealogical research on the last name Felman

The surname Felman is believed to have originated from Germany, specifically the region of Baden-Württemberg, where records dating back to the late Middle Ages suggest its early emergence. Variants of this name include Felmann and Velfelman. Notable individuals bearing this name include Samuel Felman, a renowned rabbi and Talmudic scholar who lived in the 18th century. The Felman family is also known to have migrated to Eastern Europe, particularly Poland and Russia, where they established significant roots. In the 20th century, members of the Felman family immigrated to America, contributing to various communities across the country, notably in New York City and Chicago. Research into the genealogy of the Felman name continues, with ongoing efforts to uncover more about this lineage's history and contributions.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Felman"
• 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 : 10 June 2025