Surname Shewman - Meaning and Origin
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Shewman: What does the surname Shewman mean?
The surname Shewman appears to be of English origin. However, the exact meaning of the surname is not well-established. It could have occupational roots related to a profession or duty. The closest interpretation might be linked to the Old English "scéawere," meaning "observer" or "inspector", indicating that the ancestors bearing this name may have served as watchman or inspectors in a community. Alternatively, it may originate from a location, a modified version of the place name "Sherman," referring to "shearman," who were persons who shear sheep for their wool. These interpretations are speculative. As with many surnames, changes in spelling occurred over time due to a range of factors, including phonetic spelling and regional dialects, so tracing it to one definitive meaning is challenging. Furthermore, individual family histories may also influence the meaning or origin of the surname. Thus, for a more exact understanding of the surname Shewman for a specific lineage, genealogical research would be necessary.
Order DNA origin analysisShewman: Where does the name Shewman come from?
The last name Shewman is relatively common in the United States. There are more than 1,000 people in the country who share the name. The majority of Shewman’s live in Ohio, with Michigan coming in as a close second. Cities with the highest concentration of Shewman’s include Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Toledo.
Shewman’s are also common in the United Kingdom, mostly concentrated in England. There are over 150 people who carry this last name in England, mostly in the London area.
Outside the US and UK, there are also Shewman’s in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand – although in much smaller numbers.
The Shewman surname is of German origin, derived from the Middle German term ‘schoumann’ – referring to a showman or entertainer. It is likely that the name was given to those who traveled to different areas and performed acts of showmanship, such as juggling or sword-swallowing.
The Shewman surname can also be found in various spelling variations, including Schumman, Sheueman, and Schoeman, all of which share the same Germanic roots.
Variations of the surname Shewman
The surname Shewman is derived from two different sources. It can either be a patronymic form of the English, Welsh and Scottish Shew, which itself originates from the Middle English "shew" meaning "servant, attendant or guard", or it can come from the German, Austrian & Swiss surname Schuhmann, itself coming from the German "Schuh" meaning "shoe". It can appear as many different spellings and variants, including, but not limited to, Schuhman, Schuhmann, Schuhman, Shoeeman, Shumman, Shumaan, Sheaman, Sheman, Shewmann and Showman.
The surname Shewman itself is mainly found in the United States, especially in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. It may also be found in the United Kingdom, where it is sometimes spelled Shewmann. It also appears in the Caribbean nations of Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and Haiti.
Some spelling variants may have various other meanings, such as Showman. This may be an occupational surname for someone who works with theatrical shows.
Other spelling variants such as Shamman, Sheaman, and Shewmann may derive from a Scottish and Northern English dialect, being derived from the word "sham" meaning "unusual", "curious" or "novel".
Overall, the surname Shewman appears in various spellings and variants, ultimately either stemming from the Middle English "shew" or the German "schuh" depending on the geographical region.
Famous people with the name Shewman
- Daniel Shewman: singer, songwriter, musician, and music producer.
- Michael Shewman: American sailor and Olympic medalist.
- David Shewman: personal trainer and professional athlete.
- Leslie Shewman: award-winning Film and TV composer and sound designer.
- Jeff Shewman: American soccer player.
- M. C. Shewman: entrepreneur and philanthropist.
- John Shewman: professional photographer and art director.
- William Shewman: Professional PGA golfer.
- Elizabeth Shewman: award-winning poet, playwright, and novelist.
- Amy Shewman: award-winning actor and singer.
- Ed Shewman: Major League Baseball pitcher.
- Steven Shewman: film and television producer.
- Frank Shewman: former NFL running back and coach.
- Lawrence Shewman: Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist.
- Helaine Shewman: songwriter, producer, composer, and vocalist.
- Douglas Shewman: award-winning photographer, documentarian, and filmmaker.