Last Name Seaman

The last name Seaman has an English origin. It is derived from the occupation of a "seaman" or "sailor," referring to someone who worked on a ship or was associated with maritime activities. The name could have been given to someone who was an actual seaman or could have been a nickname for someone who had the qualities or characteristics associated with a sailor. The name Seaman is relatively common in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States.

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Seaman

The Decennial U.S. Census also provides insights into the ethnic identity linked to the surname 'Seaman'. In 2000, the majority (94.25%) of bearers identified as White, followed distantly by those who identified as Hispanic (1.85%), Black (1.17%), Two or more races (1.53%), Asian/Pacific Islander (0.66%), and American Indian and Alaskan Native (0.54%). However, by 2010, there were some significant shifts. While White remained the predominant ethnicity at 92.27%, all other groups saw an increase in representation. Notably, those identifying as Hispanic increased by 49.19% to reach 2.76%, while the proportion of Asian/Pacific Islanders rose by 46.97% to reach 0.97%. The percentage of Black individuals and those identifying with two or more races also saw increases, to 1.56% and 1.89% respectively. The share of American Indian and Alaskan Natives remained relatively stable, with a slight increase to 0.55%.

	2000	2010	Change
White	94.25%	92.27%	-2.1%
Hispanic	1.85%	2.76%	49.19%
Two or More Races	1.53%	1.89%	23.53%
Black	1.17%	1.56%	33.33%
Asian/Pacific Islander	0.66%	0.97%	46.97%
American Indian and Alaskan Native	0.54%	0.55%	1.85%

Seaman ancestry composition

NomOrigine computes an ancestry breakdown for each customer. People may have ancestry from just one population or they may have ancestry from several populations. The most commonly-observed ancestry found in people with the surname Seaman is British & Irish, which comprises 46.8% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are French & German (27.5%) and Eastern European (7.6%). Additional ancestries include Scandinavian, Italian, Ashkenazi Jewish, Spanish & Portuguese, and Indigenous American.

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ANCESTRY BREAKDOWN	COMPOSITION
British & Irish	46.8%
French & German	27.5%
Eastern European	7.6%
Other	18.1%

Your paternal lineage may be linked to King Louis XVI

The rule of France by men of the House of Bourbon began with King Henri IV in 1589 C.E. and continued until the beheading of his direct paternal descendant King Louis XVI in 1793. Several years ago, researchers analyzed a mummified head and a blood-soaked cloth that they believed might belong to the two kings, and concluded that the royal paternal line belonged to haplogroup G. In a more recent study, however, a different set of researchers tested three living men who are direct descendants of the Bourbon kings. Their efforts revealed that the male lineage of the House of Bourbon is actually a branch of haplogroup R-M405.

Your maternal lineage may be linked to Marie Antoinette

Because it is so dominant in the general European population, haplogroup H also appears quite frequently in the continent's royal houses. Marie Antoinette, an Austrian Hapsburg who married into the French royal family, inherited the haplogroup from her maternal ancestors. So did Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, whose recorded genealogy traces his female line to Bavaria. Scientists also discovered that famed 16th century astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus traced his maternal lineages to haplogroup H.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Seaman

The meaning and origin of the last name Seaman

The surname Seaman has an occupational origin, derived from the Middle English word "seman" or "seimar," which was a term for someone who worked as a sailor or seaman. This surname was typically bestowed upon individuals who made a living on ships, either as crew members or captains. The word "seman" itself can be traced back to the Old English word "sæmann," which had the same meaning. The Seaman surname is not uncommon and can be found in various parts of the world. It may have originated independently in different regions, particularly among communities with a strong maritime tradition. Given its occupational nature, this surname was likely assumed by many who worked along coastal areas or resided in towns with access to the sea. Over time, variations and spellings of the name may have emerged, but the underlying meaning and connection to a seafaring profession have remained consistent.

Geographical distribution of the last name Seaman

The last name Seaman is primarily found in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States and United Kingdom. In the United States, the distribution of the Seaman surname is quite widespread, with higher concentrations in states such as New York, California, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. This can be attributed to historical factors such as immigration and westward migration. In the United Kingdom, the surname Seaman is more commonly found in eastern regions, specifically in Norfolk, Lincolnshire, and Yorkshire. These areas have a rich maritime heritage and Seaman may have originated as an occupational surname related to the maritime industry. Outside of these two countries, the Seaman surname can also be found in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, among other English-speaking nations. It is worth noting that the geographical distribution of any surname can be influenced by factors like migration, cultural assimilation, and colonial history over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Seaman

The last name Seaman can have variations and alternative spellings that have evolved over time. Some common variations include Seemann, Seemin, Seiman, Seamann, Seman, and Semen. These variations may have originated from different regions or branches of the Seaman family, or simply through transliterations or misspellings across various records and documents. The name Seeman could also be seen as a similar variation. These variations in spelling can often be found in historical records, census data, immigration records, and family trees. In some cases, individuals with the last name Seaman may choose to use a specific spelling that aligns with a particular family tradition or personal preference. Ultimately, variations and spellings of the last name Seaman offer insights into the diverse history and migration patterns of individuals bearing this surname.

Famous people with the last name Seaman

One famous person with the last name Seaman is David Seaman, a celebrated English football goalkeeper. He is often regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of his generation, having represented several influential clubs, including Arsenal and Manchester City. Seaman had an illustrious career, winning numerous accolades, including three English Premier League titles and four FA Cup trophies with Arsenal. Recognized for his iconic handlebar mustache and exceptional reflexes, he was an instrumental figure not only in club football but also for the England national team. Another notable figure with the last name Seaman is Herbert Seaman, an esteemed American economist and editor. Herbert was highly regarded for his contributions to the field of economics and his extensive editing work, including his involvement in prestigious publications such as the Journal of Political Economy.

Genealogical research on the last name Seaman

The surname "Seaman" is a fascinating name with a rich genealogical history. It is believed to have originated in medieval England, stemming from the occupation of a "seaman" or a sailor. The Seaman family can trace its roots back to the 13th century, primarily concentrated in the coastal regions of Kent and Sussex. Over the centuries, the Seaman name spread across Europe and North America through immigration and migration patterns. In the United States, some influential Seaman families settled in New York and New England during the 17th and 18th centuries. One notable figure from this lineage is Captain Samuel Seaman, a renowned sailor and privateer during the American Revolutionary War. Today, descendants of the Seaman family can be found in various countries, contributing to diverse fields and upholding the proud heritage associated with their surname.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Seaman"
• 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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