Surname Aultman - Meaning and Origin
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Aultman: What does the surname Aultman mean?
The surname Aultman is of English origin but is relatively rare. It is derived from two Old English words 'eald' and 'mann' that mean 'old man'. Its original use was likely a nickname to distinguish an older man from a younger one with the same first name in a village or town. It could also be applied to the senior member of a trade or craft to differentiate them from their juniors or apprentices. Over time, it evolved into a surname for descendants of a person once known as the 'old man'. Like other such names, though its possessors may seem common, each Aultman family can likely trace their line back to a single forebear, somewhere in the world. So, the meaning of the last name Aultman would be an 'ancestor' or 'old man', a symbol of wisdom and experience.
Order DNA origin analysisAultman: Where does the name Aultman come from?
The last name Aultman is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German terms "alt" (old) and "man" (man), indicating an "old man". This name might have been a nickname or an occupational name for an elder within a community, perhaps a patriarch or a wise old man.
In the Middle Ages, once people began to adopt surnames, many people chose to use existing nicknames, which might explain how Aultman came to be a surname. Likewise, it is also possible that the surname has geographical origins, since in some contexts "Alt" could also mean "high", – indicating a man from high land or an elevated place.
Today, the surname Aultman is mostly found in the United States, especially in states like Georgia, Florida, and Ohio. To a lesser extent, it can also be found in Canada, England, and a few other countries. It’s not a very common surname, but has a long-established presence in the areas where it is found.
Variations of the surname Aultman
The surname Aultman is of German origin and is derived from the Germanic personal name Aldman. Alternative spellings or variants caused by linguistic, translational, or personal preference differences can include Aldman, Altman, Uhlman, Ullman, Altmann, Ultman, and Oldman.
Historical records show that these surnames were often interchangeable, depending on the region of Germany where they originated, and the dialect spoken. Some families even alternated between spellings across generations. Various families with these surnames migrated to different parts of the world, mainly North America and other English-speaking countries, often altering the spelling of their surname to fit better in the new linguistic context.
In some cases, the surname could be Ashkenazi Jewish (from Eastern Europe), where it may have been adopted metaphorically for someone who was considered wise or old. In Jewish cases, it might also be an ornamental name from German 'Alt' and 'Mann' meaning 'old man'.
Please note that these are not interchangeable for individuals today, as these spellings have become formalized into family names. Typically, only the person's own family would have used variants or alternative spellings of it.
Famous people with the name Aultman
- Charles Sherrod Aultman: A character actor and theatre director known for his roles in television series and films such as "The Women", "Mickey's Rescue", and "One Starry Night".
- Rayfield Aultman: An American football player who has played as a wide receiver for several professional teams, including the Miami Dolphins.
- Spencer Aultman: A contestant on the reality TV show "Survivor: Marquesas".
- Dawn Aultman: An acclaimed author and screenwriter who published a number of best-selling novels.
- Jeffrey Aultman: An accomplished filmmaker known for his works in independent cinema, including his award-winning directorial debut, "A Story Remembered". Please note that some of these individuals may not be universally recognized as "famous", but they have achieved a degree of success and recognition within their respective fields.