All about the name

Goldman

Male

« Goldman is a Jewish surname of German origin, deriving from the name Goldmann, meaning 'gold mountain'. It was often given to families living near gold mines or working in gold mining during the Middle Ages. Today, Goldman is associated with notable figures worldwide but remains relatively rare compared to other common surnames. »

#16693 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Goldman is a surname of Jewish origin, derived from the Ashkenazic given name Goldmann. The name Goldmann is a variant spelling of Goldberg, which means "gold mountain". This surname was typically given to families who lived near gold mines or worked in gold mining. The Goldman family history can be traced back to Germany during the Middle Ages. However, it was not until the 18th century that the surname became common among Jewish communities throughout Europe. The name has since spread to other parts of the world, including the United States and South Africa, where large Jewish populations settled. Today, Goldman is a well-known surname associated with prominent figures in various fields such as finance (e.g., Goldman Sachs investment bank), politics, entertainment, and science. Despite its widespread use, however, it remains relatively rare compared to other common surnames like Smith or Johnson. In summary, the surname Goldman originates from Ashkenazic Jewish communities in Europe during the Middle Ages. It is derived from the name Goldmann, which means "gold mountain". Although it has since spread globally, its roots remain deeply intertwined with Jewish history and culture.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Goldman since 1880

Total births
104
Total since 1880
Peak year
1920
13 births
in 1940
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years