Surname Carman - Meaning and Origin

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H. Carman

Carman: What does the surname Carman mean?

The surname Carman is of English origin, deriving from an occupational name for someone who was a carter or cartwright. The name is derived from the Middle English "careman," which in turn is derived from "carre" (a cart) and "man" (a person). Some sources also suggest a link with the Old Norse name "Karlmann" or with the Irish/Latin name "Carmen," (which means song). So, Carman can be related to a person who operated or made carts, or alternately, can be of Norse or Irish origin. Like many surnames, it may have different roots in different families and regions. Variations of Carman include Carmon, Karman, and Carmen. The surname is popular in English and Irish speaking countries.

Carman: Where does the name Carman come from?

The last name Carman originates from Ireland, specifically from the old Gaelic name O'Caraimhin, which was derived from the words "caraim," meaning "I love", and the diminutive suffix "-an". It is linked to the southern Irish county of Cork, where the family held a family seat from ancient times. In Irish, it is spelled Ó Céarmada, Anglicized as Carman, Carmody, or Kermedy.

Over the centuries, with waves of Irish immigration, especially during the time of the Great Famine in the mid-19th century, the surname has spread globally. Today, it is commonly found across English-speaking nations like the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, as well as in Ireland itself. According to various census data, the highest concentration of families with the last name Carman in recent years is in the United States.

Variations of the surname Carman

The surname Carman has a few variations in spelling and derivations. Some of these variations can be regional, based on the translation into different languages, or due to personal preference of the family. Spelling variants could include Carmen, Karmen, and Karman. In some instances, it could also be spelled as Carmon or Carmean.

There might be similar surnames such as Corman, or even certain German or Dutch surnames like Korman or Korrmann which could have a shared origin with Carman.

Due to its meaning, which often refers to a person who deals with transport or drives a cart, the surname might also be connected to trade-based surnames like Cartman or Chapman.

It's also worth noting that due to the nature of oral history and changes in language over time, spelling variations within the same lineage are common. For example, an individual with the surname 'Carman' could have ancestors with the surname 'Karmen', or vice versa.

Lastly, the surname Carman also has potential connections to the Irish surnames MacCarmon and O'Carmon as many Irish surnames have been anglicized over time, losing prefixes such as 'Mac' and 'O’. Hence, Carman might be a variation of these too.

Famous people with the name Carman

• Rachel Carman: American professional dancer, model, and actress.
• Joe Carman: American actor best known for his portrayal of planned parenthood patient Ryan in the 2018 feature film, "I Think We're Alone Now."
• Drake Carpenter: American singer and songwriter best known for his songs "One Last Kiss" and "Time To Go".
• Miles Karson: American race car driver, most notably in the NASCAR Cup Series.
• Jeremy Carman: British photographer and filmmaker specialising in extreme sports and the outdoors.
• Michael Carman: Director, screenwriter, and veteran of the U.S. Army.
• Joan Marie Carman: American artist and inventor best known for her kinetic sculptures and large-scale constructions.
• Max Carman: English film composer and sound designer.
• Tom Carman: American lead guitarist and songwriter for the rock band "The Rave-Ups".
• Diana Carman: American psychologist specialising in couples and family therapy, psychoanalysis, psycho-drama, and depth psychology.

Other surnames

CarmackCarmain