Schuman
A German surname most often tied to the trade of shoemaking.
The #5,964 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 53,509 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Schuman is generally understood as a German occupational surname related to Schuhmann, from German Schuh meaning "shoe" and Mann meaning "man." In effect, it refers to a shoemaker or someone associated with making or selling shoes. The spelling can vary, and in older records it may appear alongside forms such as Schumacher, another common shoemaker surname.
History
The name is found in German-speaking areas and later spread through migration to other parts of Europe and North America. In English-language records, spellings were often simplified, so Schuman could stand beside related forms like Schuhmann or Schumacher. The surname is relatively uncommon in the United States, but its structure is clearly Germanic.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
Related German surnames built on Schuh- often point back to the same everyday craft: making shoes.
From the historical record
“Sadlier ; SoPER, Soaper (L. 74) ; Salter ; Schuch MANN, SCHUMAN, ScHUMACHER, ShUMAIKER, ShOEMAK' ER, SuTOR* (i.e., "shoemaker"); Sawyer, Sawin Say'er ; Sower, Soesman, Sowman, Saumann; Spicer Stabler, Skinner, Shearer (these two names may also indicate a snu(j disposition in money matters)”
— Suffolk Surnames (3rd ed.)