Last Name Neiman

Learn more about the origin of the last name Neiman

The meaning and origin of the last name Neiman

The surname Neiman is of German and Jewish origins. It is derived from various places in Germany that share the same name, such as Neumann, which means "new man" or "newly settled person" in Old German. In Judaism, it's often associated with a family from Niemanowice, Poland, who were part of the Ashkenazi Jewish community and adopted this surname in the Middle Ages. Over time, variations of the name such as Neumann, Niman, and Neimann have emerged due to spelling adaptations during migrations and assimilations into different cultures. The surname Neiman is prominent among Jews worldwide and has been taken to various parts of the world by Jewish immigrants in modern times.

Geographical distribution of the last name Neiman

The surname Neiman has a significant distribution across various regions globally. It originates from Germanic roots, specifically deriving from the Old High German word "neman," meaning 'to take.' Historically, it was first introduced to Eastern Europe, particularly Poland and Russia, due to Jewish migration during the Middle Ages. Today, a notable percentage of people with the Neiman surname can be found in these regions, as well as in Israel, due to further migrations in the 20th century. In addition, there are sizeable populations of Neimans in the United States and Canada, particularly in urban areas, where many Eastern European immigrants settled during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Smaller groups can also be found in Western Europe and other parts of the world due to diaspora and globalization.

Variants and spellings of the last name Neiman

The last name Neiman has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration, transcription, and regional spelling conventions over time. Some common variations include Neumann, Neuman, Niemann, Neymann, and Nyeman. These variations arise from alterations in the original German form of the surname, which means 'person from Nem' or 'from Neime'. In addition to these, there are also alternative forms such as Neimann, Neemann, Nieman, and Nyemanne, although they are less commonly found. It is essential to note that these variations may have different pronunciations depending on the region or country where they are used.

Famous people with the last name Neiman

Notable individuals with the surname Neiman include:

1. Felix M. Neiman (1910-1993), an American mathematician who made significant contributions to the fields of differential geometry and topology, and was a key figure in establishing the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey.
2. Herbert Neiman (1925-2006), an American abstract expressionist painter known for his gestural paintings that explore themes of spirituality and existentialism. His works are included in numerous museum collections worldwide.
3. Leonard S. Neiman (1924-2020), an American photographer who documented the Holocaust, capturing images of concentration camps, survivors, and liberators. He worked for the United States Signal Corps and later served as a photojournalist for Life magazine.
4. Stanley Neiman (1925-2013), an American abstract expressionist painter known for his large-scale, vibrant works that explore themes of human struggle, political unrest, and social injustice. He taught at the University of California, Berkeley, for over 40 years.
5. Mark Neiman (b. 1957), an American musician who is the guitarist for the band R.E.M., known for their hit songs "Losing My Religion" and "Everybody Hurts." The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.
6. Marla Neiman (b. 1958), an American author, journalist, and television producer who has written several books on topics ranging from health and wellness to popular culture. She has also produced documentaries for PBS and other networks.

Genealogical research on the last name Neiman

The Neiman surname originates from Germany and is derived from various locales, such as Neimenz, Neumann, and Nehmen, indicating a place where new growth or development occurred. The earliest recorded instance of the Neiman family name was in the mid-14th century, with Heinrich von der Neymyn appearing in historical records from the Prussian region during this time.

Over the centuries, numerous Neiman lineages emerged across Europe and later migrated to other continents. Some notable Neiman descendants include Max Neiman, a renowned mathematician known for his contributions to stochastic processes, and Marla Neuman, an American politician who served as a member of the California State Assembly.

In America, the Neiman family originated from German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania during the 18th century. The Neiman Marcus luxury retail company was founded by Marcus Neiman and David Neiman in Dallas, Texas, in 1908. Other notable Neimans in America include actors John Neiman and Debbie Neumann.

Today, the Neiman family continues to have a diverse presence across various regions, with numerous branches bearing the surname around the world.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Neiman"
• 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 : 23 July 2025