Last Name Fragman

Learn more about the origin of the last name Fragman

The meaning and origin of the last name Fragman

The surname Fragman is of Greek origin, derived from the Greek word "fragmentos," which means "fragment" or "shard." This surname was often given to individuals who were either craftsmen specializing in producing small items, such as pottery shards, or who were noted for their fragmentary nature, perhaps due to a physical disability. Over time, the name has been adopted and spread throughout various regions due to migration and assimilation. In the English-speaking world, it is most commonly pronounced as "FRAG-mun."

Geographical distribution of the last name Fragman

The last name Fragman is predominantly found in countries with significant Jewish populations, particularly those that have historically had large Sephardic Jewish communities. This includes Spain, Portugal, North Africa, and the Middle East. However, due to historical events such as the Spanish Inquisition and the expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492, many individuals with the surname Fragman migrated to other countries like Turkey, Greece, Italy, and the Netherlands. Additionally, during the 20th century, a significant number of Sephardic Jews emigrated from the Middle East and North Africa to Israel, the United States, Canada, and South America, further dispersing the Fragman name globally. Today, while still predominantly associated with Jewish communities, the Fragman surname can be found in various parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fragman

The surname Fragman can be found with various spellings and variations due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Some common versions include Fragmann, Fragmanne, Fragamann, Fragaman, Fragmen, and Fragen. These variations are typically the result of the addition or omission of the "n" at the end of the surname, or changes in the vowels used. It is important to note that all these spellings can be considered correct versions of the original name. The exact origin of the surname Fragman is uncertain, but it is believed to have been derived from a Jewish personal name, possibly of Hebrew origin.

Famous people with the last name Fragman

Notable individuals bearing the surname Fragman include:

1. Alexander Fragman (born 1942), an Israeli jurist who served as a judge on the Supreme Court of Israel from 1996 to 2010.

2. Anat Fragman-Sapir (born 1957), an Israeli journalist, writer, and former member of the Knesset.

3. Yitzhak Fragman (1914–1980), a Polish-born Israeli historian, author, and Holocaust survivor. He was a professor at Tel Aviv University and published numerous works on Jewish history.

4. Daniel Fragman (born 1973), a Swedish musician who is the lead guitarist and keyboardist for the band Kent.

5. David Fragman (1886–1962), a Latvian-born American violinist who was concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic from 1924 to 1957.

Each of these individuals has made significant contributions in their respective fields, spanning journalism, academia, music, and law.

Genealogical research on the last name Fragman

The Fragman surname originates from Jewish families who were predominantly Sephardic, having roots traced back to Spain and Portugal before their displacement during the Inquisition. The name Fragman is derived from the Hebrew word "peri'ah" meaning "a fragment." The family migrated to various European countries such as Holland, Germany, Italy, and France, where they became prominent in the Jewish communities. Notable individuals with the Fragman surname include Jacob Fragman, a Dutch rabbi who served as the Chief Rabbi of Amsterdam in the 18th century, and Isaac Fragman, a renowned Jewish scholar from the Netherlands. The family name is also found among Sephardic Jews in Turkey and the Middle East, reflecting their dispersal throughout history. In modern times, the Fragmans have been widely distributed across Israel, the United States, Canada, and other Western countries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Fragman"
• 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