Surname Getman - Meaning and Origin

Getman: What does the surname Getman mean?

Getman is a surname of Slavic origin, primarily seen in Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. The name is derived from the term 'hetman,' a historical military rank in Eastern Europe that was equivalent to a captain or general. Hetmans served as the head of the Cossack state, commanded its army, and held the highest governmental and military authority. The surname Getman would have been originally given to someone who held this rank or possibly to someone who worked in the household of a hetman. Over the years, Getman became a hereditary surname passed down through generations. Therefore, this surname often suggests that one's ancestors may have been associated with military leadership, strength, and power in the past. As with many surnames, interpretations can vary widely based on geographical and cultural contexts.

Getman: Where does the name Getman come from?

The surname Getman has roots in Eastern Europe and is believed to be of Ukrainian or Belarusian origin. It emerged from the title 'Hetman', which was historically used to denote the highest commanding officer in the military ranks of Ukraine, and later Poland. The term ‘Hetman’ originated from the German word 'Hauptmann', meaning 'captain', which also influenced the formation of similar titles in Central and Northern Europe.

With time, this military title evolved into a surname, Getman, and was adopted by families in the region.

Today, the last name Getman is most commonly found in the United States, Ukraine, and Belarus. It is also prevalent amongst Jewish communities. The majority of Getmans in the U.S are concentrated in New York, followed by California and Florida. However, it is not a very common surname, ranked at 39708 during the 2000 U.S. Census. In Eastern Europe, it has wide distribution due to historical lineage and influence from past periods of military governance.

Variations of the surname Getman

The surname Getman has its roots in the Germanic lands, specifically in Ukraine and Russia. It's derived from the word "hetman," a title for a military commander. This surname has several differents spellings due to language and cultural differences over time, including Hetman, Hetmann, Hetmon, Getmann, Gethmann, Getmon, and Gätman in German, Dutch or Scandanavian languages.

Other variants of this surname include Gietman, Gitman, or Gittman, owing to phonetic deviations. For Russian or Ukrainian languages, it could be spelled as Гетман or Хетман. In the east and middle European countries with Slavic languages origins, the surname could be found as Hecman, Hecmann, or Heczman.

Getman can also possibly be Anglicized as Goodman due to similar pronunciations. It's also related to other occupational surnames like Seaman or Yeoman, referring to a man holding a certain position or role. The surname Getman and its variants are found all over the world, primarily in areas with significant European immigrant populations.

Famous people with the name Getman

• J. Getman, a professional music producer and Grammy winner.
• Lada Getman, a fashion designer and a founder of the brand Getmaly.
• Ari Getman, a professor at the University of California, San Diego.
• Andrew Getman, a renowned movie actor.
• Jason Getman, a popular baseball player.
• Yitzchok Getman, an Israeli rabbi and author.
• Dr. Yefim Getman, a professor of economics at Moscow State University.
• Natalya Getman, a renowned costume designer and artist.
• Sam Getman, a graphic designer and motion graphics artist.
• Joseph Getman, a realtor and businessman.
• Arik Getman, a psychotherapist and author.
• David Getman, a renowned classical musician.
• Frank Getman, a renowned financial adviser.
• Nick Getman, a comedy writer.
• Larisa Getman, a Russian journalist.
• Rafail Getman, a renowned artist and painter.
• Maria Getman, a award-winning art director.
• Vanya Getman, a famous film director.
• Yana Getman, a Ukrainian marathoner, and winner of the World Marathon Championship.
• Julia Getman, a CEO of the Getman Corporation.

Other surnames

Getmann

Comments or additions to the name "Getman"

02.05.2024
Jake Getman a professional actor and voiceover artist