Last Name Waxman

Learn more about the origin of the last name Waxman

The meaning and origin of the last name Waxman

The surname Waxman is of Ashkenazic Jewish origin, derived from the Old High German word "Wachs" which means 'candle' or 'wax', and the Yiddish suffix "-man", meaning 'man' or 'son of'. Historically, it was likely used to identify someone who was involved in the candle-making trade. Over time, as migration and assimilation occurred, the name Waxman became more widespread among various ethnic groups, retaining its original meaning but taking on new cultural connotations. Today, the surname Waxman can be found globally, with individuals of diverse backgrounds carrying this historically Jewish family name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Waxman

The surname Waxman has its origins primarily within the Jewish communities of Ashkenazi descent, originating from Central and Eastern Europe, particularly Germany, Poland, Russia, and Austria-Hungary. Over time, due to migrations for various reasons such as religious persecution, economic opportunities, or wars, the distribution of the name Waxman has spread globally. Today, significant populations with this last name can be found in the United States, Israel, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other countries that have seen substantial Jewish immigration. In the U.S., for example, concentrations exist along the East Coast, particularly in New York City and its surrounding areas, as well as in Chicago and Los Angeles. The name Waxman is also present in substantial numbers in other countries like Israel, South Africa, Australia, and some parts of Europe, highlighting the transcontinental dispersal of this surname over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Waxman

The surname Waxman has several variants and spelling versions across different regions and cultures. Some common variations include Waksman, Waxmann, Vaksmann, Vakhsman, and Wachsman. These variations are typically due to differences in transliteration from other languages or the use of non-standard English spellings. Other less common variants may include Wacksman, Wacksmann, Vaksmanis (Lithuanian), Waczków (Polish), and Waxhauser (German). It is essential to note that these variations reflect historical and geographical influences rather than personal preference or error in spelling.

Famous people with the last name Waxman

Notable individuals with the surname Waxman include:

1. Sidney Waxman (1924-2018), an American film editor who worked on over 60 films, including Gone with the Wind and Spartacus. He won three Academy Awards for Best Film Editing.

2. Henry Waxman (born 1939), a United States congressman from California who served from 1975 to 2015. He was known for his work on environmental issues, healthcare reform, and consumer protection.

3. Mimi Waxman Fendrich (1948-2006), an American actress who appeared in numerous television shows and films throughout the 1970s and 1980s. She is best remembered for her role as Mary Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie.

4. Marvin Waxman (1952-2010), an American screenwriter who worked on movies such as The Simpsons Movie, Anger Management, and Zoolander. He also wrote episodes for television shows like Seinfeld, Everybody Loves Raymond, and Malcolm in the Middle.

5. David Waxman (born 1963), an American musician who is the frontman of the band David Wax Museum. The group blends traditional Mexican music with American folk and indie rock.

Genealogical research on the last name Waxman

The surname Waxman originates from Eastern Europe, particularly Germany, Poland, and Russia, where it is derived from the Yiddish word "vax" meaning "wax" and the Germanic suffix "-mann", denoting occupational or tribal name-giving. One of the earliest recorded instances of this name can be traced back to the 13th century in Germany. The Waxman family was often associated with the production, selling, or crafting of wax items such as candles and sealing wax. Throughout history, notable figures bearing the Waxman surname have been documented, including Rabbi Mordechai Waxman (1872-1945), a prominent Orthodox Jewish rabbi in the United States during the early 20th century, and Leonid Vatsman (1936-2013), a Russian-born violinist and composer. Today, the Waxman family can be found across various continents, particularly in Israel, the United States, Canada, and Western Europe. Genealogical research continues to reveal more about this fascinating name's history and its connection to Jewish culture and tradition.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Waxman"
• 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 : 12 June 2025