Cushman
An English surname likely meaning “cow man” or “cheese man,” though early explanations vary and are not fully secure.
The #4,779 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 41,722 Americans shares it.
Etymology
This name is usually explained from Middle English elements meaning either “cow” plus “man,” or from a form connected with “cheese” plus “man.” The historical sources you provided specifically gloss it as “cow’s or cheese man,” suggesting an occupational or trade-based nickname. In practice, it is safest to treat the surname as an English name built around a household or farm-related term, rather than as a single certain derivation.
History
Cushman is well known in early New England history, where a Cushman family was established in Massachusetts in the 17th century. The name also appears in English surname collections, showing that it was not exclusively American in origin. It later spread in the United States, where it remains relatively uncommon.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
Thomas Cushman was among the prominent early New England bearers of the surname, helping to anchor it in colonial American history.
From the historical record
“New England in 1638, and settled in Hingham, Mass. CUSHMAN (QE-)) Cow's or Cheese man. Cyse, cheese. Cheese and Cheeseman are English names. CUSINGTON (©.), Cow's field town ? Cow, Cowfield, and Cow- ley, are also English surnames, (y. Koe.) 3 18”
— Surnames