Last Name Shulman

Learn more about the origin of the last name Shulman

The meaning and origin of the last name Shulman

The surname Shulman is of Jewish origin, derived from the Yiddish word "shule," which means "school." This surname was often given to individuals who were schoolteachers or had some connection with a school or educational institution in the Jewish community. The name indicates a family that valued education and intellectual pursuits.

Historically, the Shulman family can be traced back to Eastern Europe, particularly Russia and Poland, where large Jewish communities resided during the Middle Ages. The surname became more prevalent during the late 19th and early 20th centuries as Jews immigrated from these regions to other parts of Europe and the United States, seeking greater opportunities for education, work, and religious freedom. Today, the Shulman family name can be found in various countries around the world, reflecting the global diaspora of the Jewish community throughout history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Shulman

The surname Shulman is predominantly of Jewish origin, with a significant concentration in Eastern Europe, particularly Russia and Ukraine, due to historical Jewish settlements in those regions. It has also been found among Ashkenazi Jewish communities in Poland, Belarus, Lithuania, and other parts of Eastern Europe. In the 20th century, many Jews with the surname Shulman immigrated to America, Israel, Canada, and other countries due to political instability and persecution. Today, the distribution of the surname Shulman is widespread globally, with large populations in North America, Israel, and Western Europe. Notably, it has a significant presence in New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami, reflecting historical Jewish migration patterns to these cities. In addition, there are notable communities of Shulmans in London, Toronto, Tel Aviv, and other cosmopolitan centers with large Jewish populations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Shulman

The surname Shulman has multiple variants and spellings due to differences in transliteration from Hebrew and historical changes in spelling over time. Some common variations include Schulmann, Schulmanne, Schuelman, Scholman, Schulmane, and Schullman. The name Shulman is of Jewish origin, derived from the Hebrew words "Shaloh" (peace) and "Man" (man), translating to "peacemaker". Over time, different regions and countries have adopted their own unique spellings for this surname. In addition to English, variations can also be found in other languages such as Yiddish, Russian, German, Polish, and Hebrew. It is important to note that individuals may choose to spell their names according to personal preference or historical context, making it crucial to consider all possible variants when researching genealogy or family history.

Famous people with the last name Shulman

Notable individuals sharing the surname Shulman include:

1. J.J. Abrams (born Jeffrey Jacob), an American film director, producer, and writer, known for creating television series such as Felicity, Alias, Lost, Fringe, and the Star Trek reboot films.
2. Daniel Shulman, a British-American theoretical physicist who has made contributions to condensed matter physics, string theory, and quantum field theory. He is currently a professor at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel.
3. Stephen Shulman (born 1958), an American author and attorney best known for writing The Fearless Detective Hound, a series of detective novels set in the early 20th century featuring a female protagonist.
4. Peter Shulman (born 1960), an American computer scientist who has made significant contributions to the fields of programming languages and software engineering. He is currently a professor at Carnegie Mellon University.
5. Adam Shulman (born 1985), an American actor and film producer, known for his roles in films such as Midnight Sun, When in Rome, and For Lovers Only. He is also the husband of actress Rachel Bilson.

Genealogical research on the last name Shulman

The surname Shulman is primarily of Jewish origin, originating from Eastern Europe, particularly in Russia and Poland. Its earliest known record dates back to the 16th century. In Russia, the name is often associated with the Ashkenazi Jewish community and can be traced to the region around Vilna, present-day Lithuania. The name Shulman is a variation of the Yiddish word "shule," meaning school or synagogue, indicating that its earliest bearers may have been involved in religious education or administration. Notable individuals with the surname Shulman include actors Danny and Sidney Shulman, comedian Mike Shulman, and mathematician Paul Shulman. Genealogical research on the Shulman family often involves tracing their roots back to Eastern Europe, uncovering the specific towns or villages they originated from, and exploring their religious and cultural backgrounds.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Shulman"
• 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 : 15 June 2025