Lieberman
A Jewish surname built from a German/Yiddish root meaning “dear” or “beloved,” plus the common suffix -man.
The #4,282 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 37,189 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Lieberman is generally understood as a Jewish surname formed from German and Yiddish elements. The first part, lieber, means “dear” or “beloved,” and the second part, -man, means “man” or “person.” In surname use, it likely began as a descriptive or honorific-style name rather than a literal job title, though some families may also have adopted it as an ornamental form.
History
The name is most strongly associated with Ashkenazic Jewish naming traditions in German-speaking and Eastern European areas. Like many Jewish surnames ending in -man, it became more common in the modern period when fixed hereditary surnames were adopted or required by law. It is found today chiefly among Jewish families in Europe, North America, and Israel.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
The spelling with double -n, Liebermann, is especially common in German contexts, while Lieberman is the more familiar anglicized form.