Last Name Feltman

Learn more about the origin of the last name Feltman

The meaning and origin of the last name Feltman

The surname Feltman is of Germanic origin, derived from the Middle High German "velde" (meaning "felt") and "man" (meaning "man" or "maker"). It was typically an occupational name for someone who worked with felt, a material made from animal hairs or fibers. The name may also have been used as a metonymy for a maker of armor, since medieval armor often included felt padding. Feltmakers were skilled artisans who produced items such as clothing, footwear, and even tents. This surname first appeared in Germany during the Middle Ages, where records show that people with this name lived in various regions, including Bavaria and Swabia. As populations migrated and settled, the name Feltman also became established in other parts of Europe, including France, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia. Today, the surname Feltman can be found worldwide among Germanic-speaking communities and their descendants.

Geographical distribution of the last name Feltman

The surname Feltman is predominantly found in Jewish communities with Germanic origins, particularly in Germany and neighboring countries such as Poland, Austria, and the Czech Republic. Over time, due to migration and diaspora, the distribution of the name has expanded globally. A significant number of Feltmans can be found in the United States, where many immigrants arrived during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The name is also present in other English-speaking countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. In recent years, there has been a growing Feltman population in Israel, due to Jewish immigration. Additionally, smaller numbers can be found in various parts of Europe, South America, and Asia, reflecting the global migration patterns of the 20th century.

Variants and spellings of the last name Feltman

The surname Feltman can have various spelling variants and regional differences due to transcription errors or local dialects over time. Some of these variants include Felten, Felton, Fealtyman, Feltham, Felthman, Feltmann, Feelman, and Feltum. These spellings may be found in different countries where the name originated or has been adopted, such as Germany, Austria, the United States, Canada, and others. It is essential to note that these variants may not necessarily indicate a direct familial relationship but rather show how the name has evolved through history and geography. Furthermore, the name's origins can be traced back to Germanic, Jewish, or Slavic roots, reflecting the diverse cultural backgrounds of individuals bearing this surname.

Famous people with the last name Feltman

Notable individuals bearing the surname Feltman include Jacob M. Feltman, an American businessman who co-founded the real estate investment trust Farragut Properties and served as its chairman and chief executive officer for several years; and Rachel Feltman, an American science journalist known for her work at Smithsonian Magazine and The Washington Post, where she writes about various topics in the field of science. Additionally, Hillel Feltman is a prominent political strategist who has worked on numerous high-profile campaigns in Israel and the United States. Finally, Mark Felt, also known as "Deep Throat," was an FBI official who became famous for his role in the Watergate scandal during the Nixon administration, though he used the pseudonym when speaking with Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward.

Genealogical research on the last name Feltman

The surname Feltman is of Jewish German origin, derived from the occupation of felt maker (Mantelmeister in German). The earliest known record of this name can be traced back to the 18th century in Germany. One of the most notable figures with this name was Jacob Feltman, who was born in 1794 and immigrated to the United States in 1819. He settled in Baltimore, Maryland and founded J. Feltman & Co., a successful dry goods company. The Feltmans migrated to other parts of the United States throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, including Pennsylvania, Illinois, Texas, and California. Today, there are estimated to be over 4,000 individuals with the surname Feltman worldwide, primarily in the United States, Israel, and Germany. Notable modern-day Feltmans include actress Judith Feltman and television personality Richard L. Feltman.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Feltman"
• 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 : 12 June 2025