Last Name Putman

The last name "Putman" is derived from the Dutch surname "Putteman" or "Puttman." It is an occupational surname and can be traced back to the Middle Ages. The name is believed to have originated from the Dutch word "put" or "putte," meaning well or pit. "Putman" originally referred to someone who worked in or lived near a well or a pit. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name might have evolved as it was passed down through generations. Today, "Putman" is a relatively common last name, especially in English-speaking countries with Dutch ancestry.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Putman

The meaning and origin of the last name Putman

The surname "Putman" is of English origin with an interesting and somewhat unusual meaning. It is derived from the Old English word "putta," meaning "on the edge" or "at the extremity," and the word "mann," meaning "man." Therefore, the name "Putman" can be interpreted as "a man who dwells on the edge." The Putman surname may have initially been used as a nickname for someone living on the outskirts of a village or near a boundary. Over time, those who bore the name likely passed it down to their descendants as a hereditary surname. It is worth noting that surname spellings can vary over generations due to discrepancies in pronunciation and illiteracy. Consequently, alternate spellings such as "Putnam" or "Puttenham" can also be found. In terms of popularity, the surname Putman is relatively uncommon but can be found primarily in the United States, Netherlands, and Germany. Notable individuals with this surname include the American actor and comedian Tom Putnam and the Belgian-born American politician Adam Clayton Powell IV.

Geographical distribution of the last name Putman

The last name Putman is primarily found in the Netherlands and its surrounding regions. It is a Dutch surname that can be traced back to the Middle Ages. The highest concentration of individuals with the Putman last name can be found in the provinces of South Holland and Utrecht in the Netherlands. These regions have the largest population of people with this surname. Additionally, there are smaller clusters of individuals with the name in other provinces such as Gelderland and North Holland. Outside of the Netherlands, there are also some individuals with the last name Putman in Belgium and Germany, due to historical migrations and intercontinental movements. However, the number of individuals with this last name abroad is relatively smaller compared to its prevalence in the Netherlands. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Putman is centered around the Netherlands, with minor presence in neighboring countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Putman

The surname "Putman" has several variations and spellings. One of the most common variations is "Putnam," which can be found widely in English-speaking countries. This variant may have originated from the town of Putten in the Netherlands. Another spelling frequently encountered is "Putmann," which could stem from different regions in Europe, such as Germany or France. Additionally, "Puttmann" is a less common but distinct variation seen mainly among individuals with German ancestry. Furthermore, some individuals may use the alternative spelling "Putmen" or "Pittman," especially in areas influenced by phonetic or regional dialects. These variations in the spelling of Putman can be attributed to historical factors like migration, phonetic changes, or even personal preference. Regardless of the specific variation or spelling, all variations of the Putman surname likely originate from the same ancestral root and can be traced back to common family lineages.

Famous people with the last name Putman

The Putman family consists of various accomplished individuals who have made a notable impact in their respective fields. Bill Putman, born in 1949, gained recognition as an esteemed American audio engineer. His work in the music industry included collaborations with iconic artists such as Tina Turner and The Rolling Stones. Greg Putman, a prominent businessman, achieved success as the CEO of Putman Media, a publishing company specializing in industrial and manufacturing resources. Alongside his professional achievements, Greg is known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in the promotion of education and entrepreneurship. Lastly, we have Howard Putman, recognized as a highly influential figure in the aviation industry. Serving as the CEO of Southwest Airlines from 1978 to 1981, Howard is credited with leading the company through a transformative era, focusing on customer service and employee engagement. His contributions to the airline industry continue to be celebrated today. The Putman family's legacy spans multiple domains, leaving a lasting impact on music, business, and aviation.

Genealogical research on the last name Putman

The Putman surname has an interesting genealogical history that spans several centuries. Historically, the name is of Dutch origin, derived from the personal name "Putte" or "Putten," meaning "well" or "pit." The earliest recorded instances of the Putman name can be traced back to the Netherlands in the 16th century. Over time, branches of the family migrated to various parts of Europe and later to the United States. Immigration records indicate that several Putman families arrived in America during the colonial period, with notable settlements in New York and South Carolina. The Putman family played a significant role in the development of early American communities, with members involved in various professions, including farming, trade, and politics. Through meticulous genealogical research, descendants of the Putman family can map their ancestral roots, uncovering fascinating stories and connections that have shaped their lineage. Today, the Putman name continues to be proudly carried by descendants scattered across the world.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Putman"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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