NomOrigine Background

Last Name Herdman

What is the origin of the last name Herdman?

The last name Herdman is of English origin and is derived from the Middle English word "herdeman," which means a herdsman or someone who tends to a herd of cattle. It is an occupational surname indicating that an individual's ancestors likely worked as a herdsman or had some connection to animal husbandry. The name may have also been used to describe someone who lived near a cowherd's cottage or pasture.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Herdman

The meaning and origin of the last name Herdman

Herdman is an English surname that originated as an occupational name for someone who worked as a herdsman, meaning a person who tended and looked after a herd of livestock, typically cattle or sheep. The surname may have also been used to describe someone who lived near a pasture or grazing land where herders would bring their animals for grazing. The name is derived from the Old English word "heord," meaning herd, and the suffix "-man," indicating a person associated with a particular activity or occupation. Over time, the surname Herdman evolved and became a hereditary surname passed down through generations within families. Today, individuals with the surname Herdman can trace their ancestry back to ancestors who worked as herders or had connections to livestock farming in England.

Geographical distribution of the last name Herdman

The last name Herdman is primarily found in the United Kingdom, with a particularly high concentration in England, especially in the northern regions such as Yorkshire and Lancashire. The name is also present in smaller numbers in Scotland and Wales. Outside of the UK, Herdman may be found in former British colonies such as Australia, Canada, and the United States, likely due to migration patterns throughout history. In these countries, the name is less common but still recognizable. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Herdman reflects its British origins, with the majority of individuals bearing this surname residing in the UK and its former colonies.

Variants and spellings of the last name Herdman

Herdman can be spelled in various ways including Herdman, Hurdman, Hurdeman, Heardman, and Hertman. These variations may have originated from different regions or dialects where the pronunciation of the name may have been slightly altered over time. The name Herdman is of English origin and is believed to have derived from the Old English word “heord” meaning “herd” or “flock” and “mann” meaning “man” or “person”. It is likely that the name was originally given to someone who worked as a shepherd or tended to a herd of animals. Over the years, the spelling of the surname may have been adapted or changed due to immigration, phonetic spelling, or other factors. Today, these variations of the name can be found in different parts of the world where Herdman descendants have settled.

Famous people with the last name Herdman

Unfortunately, there are no famous individuals with the last name Herdman that are widely known to the public. The Herdman surname does not appear to be associated with any well-known figures in entertainment, sports, politics, or any other mainstream field. It is possible that there may be individuals with the last name Herdman who have achieved success in their respective fields but have not achieved widespread recognition. Overall, the Herdman name does not appear to have a prominent presence in popular culture or history.

Genealogical research on the last name Herdman

The surname Herdman is of Scottish origin, derived from the Old English word "heordmann," meaning a herdsman or shepherd. The earliest known recording of the name dates back to the 12th century in the region of Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. The Herdman family has a long history in agriculture and farming, with many individuals working as herdsmen or owning large herds of livestock. Over the centuries, the Herdman surname has spread to various parts of the United Kingdom, including England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Today, individuals with the last name Herdman can be found across the world, particularly in countries with strong ties to Scottish heritage. Genealogical research on the Herdman family may reveal connections to notable figures in Scottish history or provide insight into the family's agricultural roots.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 11 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Heraht (Last name)

surnames > heraht

The last name "Heraht" has German origins. It is derived from the Middle High German word "herat" which means brave or bold.

Herai (Last name)

surnames > herai

The last name Herai is of Japanese origin. It likely derives from a place name or a geographical feature in Japan.

Herak (Last name)

surnames > herak

The last name "Herak" is of Hungarian origin. It comes from the Hungarian personal name "Heraklész," which is the Hungarian form of the name Heracles, who was a mythical hero in G...

Heral (Last name)

surnames > heral

The last name "Heral" originated as a French surname, derived from the Old French word "herault" meaning "herald" or "messenger." It is likely that the surname was originally occup...

Heras (Last name)

surnames > heras

The surname "Heras" has multiple possible origins depending on the region and country. In some cases, it may be a variant of the Spanish surname "Herrera," which is derived from th...

Herasimava (Last name)

surnames > herasimava

Herasimava is a surname of Belarusian origin. It is a variation of the surname "Herasimovich," which is derived from the given name "Herasim." The suffix "-ovich" or "-ova" is a co...

Herasimczuk (Last name)

surnames > herasimczuk

The last name Herasimczuk is of Ukrainian origin. It is derived from the Ukrainian given name Herasym, which is the Ukrainian form of the Greek name Hieronymos, meaning "sacred nam...

Herasymchuk (Last name)

surnames > herasymchuk

Herasymchuk is a Ukrainian surname. It is derived from the Ukrainian first name Herasym, which is a variation of the name Hieronymus, meaning "sacred name" or "holy name" in Greek....

Herat (Last name)

surnames > herat

The last name "Herat" has its origins in Iran and Afghanistan. It is derived from the name of a city in Afghanistan called Herat. People with the last name "Herat" may have ancesto...

Herata (Last name)

surnames > herata

The last name "Herata" is of Japanese origin. It is derived from the Japanese words "he" meaning "sun" and "rata" meaning "field" or "origin", suggesting a connection to the sun or...

Herath mudiyanselage (Last name)

surnames > herath-mudiyanselage

The last name "Herath Mudiyanselage" is of Sri Lankan origin. "Herath" is a common surname in Sri Lanka, often used by members of the Sinhalese ethnic group. "Mudiyanselage" is a t...

Herati (Last name)

surnames > herati

The last name Herati is of Iranian origin, specifically from the city of Herat in modern-day Afghanistan. It is likely a surname denoting someone from or associated with this city.

Herbel (Last name)

surnames > herbel

The surname Herbel is of German origin. It comes from a local name for someone who lived by a place where herbs grew, derived from Middle High German "herbele" meaning "herb, spice...

Herbert laisin (Last name)

surnames > herbert-laisin

The last name "Herbert Laisin" appears to be of English origin. "Herbert" is derived from the Old English personal name "Herebeorht," meaning "bright army." "Laisin" is less common...

Herbette (Last name)

surnames > herbette

The surname Herbette is of French origin. It is derived from the French word "herbe," meaning herb or plant, and the diminutive suffix "-ette," indicating a small or young version....