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Last Name Waltman

What is the origin of the last name Waltman?

The surname Waltman is believed to have Germanic origins. It is derived from two Old High German words: "walt" meaning "rule" or "guard," and "mann" meaning "man." Thus, the name can be translated as "ruler" or "guardian man." Over time, it may have been spelled in various ways, such as Waltenmann, Waldenmann, and Waltman. The earliest records of this surname appear to date back to the Middle Ages in Germany.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Waltman

The surname Waltman is of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Old High German "walt" which means "guardian, protector" and "mann," a man or warrior. Therefore, the name Waltman can be interpreted as "Guardian Man" or "Protector Warrior." This name was initially a given name but later evolved into a surname during the Middle Ages when people began to adopt hereditary names. The variant forms of this name include Walthermann, Waltermann, and Waltemann, all originating from the same roots. Today, the surname Waltman is common in German-speaking countries such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, but it can also be found in other parts of the world due to migration and diaspora.

Geographical distribution of the last name Waltman

The surname Waltman is primarily distributed across Europe, with significant concentrations found in Germany, France, and Belgium. It's also notable in Switzerland, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. In these countries, it often appears as Waltermans, Walten, or Waltermann, reflecting regional variations of spelling. Smaller groups of Waltman descendants can be found in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, where immigration waves from Europe brought the name to the New World. In the United States, the highest concentrations are found in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, and Michigan, states with strong German and Dutch ancestry. The name is less common in other parts of the world but can be found among diaspora communities of European descent.

Variants and spellings of the last name Waltman

The surname Waltman has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in regional pronunciation, transcription errors over time, and individual preferences in spelling. Some common variants include Walton, Walten, Waltein, Waltham, Walham, Walstmann, and Waltmann. Other less common versions may include Waltmanne, Wahlman, Wahlmeyer, or Walltman, among others. It is also possible to find hyphenated forms such as Walt-Man, Walt-Mann, or Waltman-Jones, reflecting the combination of two surnames in some families. These variations and spellings highlight the rich diversity and cultural history associated with the Waltman name.

Famous people with the last name Waltman

The Waltman surname is associated with notable figures in various fields, including entertainment and sports. One of the most recognized individuals with this last name is Mickie James, an American professional wrestler, singer-songwriter, and actress, who is currently signed to WWE under the ring name Mickie James. In music, there's Kevon Waltman, also known as Havoc, a rapper who is one-half of the hip hop duo Mobb Deep. In the realm of science, Jeffrey S. Waltman is an American molecular biologist and virologist who has made significant contributions to the understanding of retroviruses, particularly HIV. Lastly, Trevor Waltman, a Canadian basketball player, is renowned for his professional career in Europe, where he played for several clubs over more than a decade. These individuals demonstrate the diverse accomplishments and achievements that can be associated with the surname Waltman.

Genealogical research on the last name Waltman

The surname Waltman is of German and Dutch origin, deriving from the Old High German 'walte' meaning 'to rule' or 'to guard' and 'man,' meaning 'man.' Early records indicate that the name was first recorded in the region of Westphalia, Germany, during the Middle Ages. Notable figures bearing the surname Waltman include Johannes Waltmann, a 16th-century German mathematician and astronomer, and Jacobus van Waltman, a Dutch artist from the Golden Age of Dutch Art. The name's spelling variations include Walten, Waltin, Waltmann, and Vallatin. As a result of migration waves, such as those during the 17th century when Dutch settlers came to America, the Waltman surname can now be found throughout Europe, North America, and other parts of the world.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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