Last Name Sherman

The surname "Sherman" is of English origin and is derived from a nickname for a strong or brave man. It comes from the Middle English "scheer," meaning "free, wild, or fierce," and the Old Norse "mannr," meaning "man." The name first appeared in England in the 13th century, where it was often given to someone who had displayed courage or strength. The surname was later brought to America by English colonists during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. It is not uncommon for the spelling of the name to vary slightly due to transcription errors over time. One notable bearer of this surname in American history is General William Tecumseh Sherman, who was a key military leader during the American Civil War.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Sherman

The surname Sherman is of English and Scottish origin, derived from various places with that name. In England, there are several locations named Sherman, such as Sherman's Ash, Shermanbury, and Sherman's Dale. These places are named after Old English words "scir" meaning bright or clear, and "manna" meaning man, so the name Sherman originally meant something like 'bright man' or 'clear man'. In Scotland, the surname Sherman is thought to be a variant of Schermer, which was the name of a barony in Fife. The Scottish form Schermer comes from Middle Dutch "schermen" meaning 'to screen or protect', suggesting that the original bearers of this name were involved in some protective function, such as guarding a border or a fortified place. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname Sherman have varied, with different regional influences shaping its final form.

Geographical distribution of the last name Sherman

The last name Sherman is predominantly found in the United States and England, with significant concentrations in both countries. In the U.S., it is most prevalent in states that were once part of the New England region, such as Massachusetts and Connecticut, reflecting its English origins. The name's frequency also suggests a historical presence in the Southern states, particularly Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi, which might be linked to the migration patterns during and after the American Civil War. In England, concentrations are found mainly in the East Midlands and the South West regions. Additionally, small populations bearing the surname can be found in other English-speaking countries, such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, largely due to emigration from the U.S. and the UK.

Variants and spellings of the last name Sherman

The surname Sherman has various spellings and variations, primarily due to differences in transcription and regional dialects over time. Some common versions include Shermane, Shermin, Shermon, Shermaine, Shermyn, Shermaney, and Sherma. Other less frequent variants include Schermerhorn, Sherar, Sharman, Shermane, Shoraman, Shearman, and Sheirman. These variations may have originated from different regions or families within the Sherman lineage, adding to the rich history and diversity of this last name. The correct spelling can often depend on the region where the family is from and personal preference in modern times.

Famous people with the last name Sherman

The surname Sherman has been associated with several notable figures in various fields. One of the most recognized is General William Tecumseh Sherman, a key commander in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He is renowned for his "March to the Sea," which involved the capture of Atlanta and a military campaign through Georgia and the Carolinas.

In the realm of academia and politics, Roger Sherman was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He signed both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, serving as a delegate from Connecticut to the Continental Congress during its entire duration.

In entertainment, George Sherman is an accomplished film director who worked in Hollywood's golden age, directing over 150 films between 1928 and 1947. His career spanned genres, including comedies, Westerns, and serials.

Lastly, Robert S. Sherman, along with his brother Richard M. Sherman, is a legendary figure in the music industry. They are best known for their work with Walt Disney Productions, composing memorable tunes like "It's a Small World" and songs from Mary Poppins, which have become cherished classics worldwide.

Genealogical research on the last name Sherman

The surname Sherman is of English origin, derived from the Anglo-Saxon "Scir" meaning "bright, famous" and "mann" meaning "man." The first recorded spelling of the name dates back to the early 13th century in Lincolnshire, England. One of the earliest ancestors bearing this surname was Walter le Schirmann, who lived during the reign of King Henry III (reigned 1216-1272). The Sherman family migrated to America in the 17th century, predominantly settling in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Notable figures with the name include Roger Sherman, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States who signed both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution; Stephen Sherman, a Union Army officer during the American Civil War; and Edward Sherman, an American paleontologist known for his work on dinosaur fossils. Today, the family is scattered across North America, with significant populations in the United States and Canada.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Sherman"
• 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 June 2025

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