Charman

The surname Charman has its origins in England, dating back to the early medieval period. It is believed to have derived from the Old English word "cerre," meaning to turn or bend, and "mann," meaning a man or person. This suggests that the name may have originally referred to an occupation such as a turner or cartwright.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it is listed as "Carueman." This entry, from the county of Shropshire, provides evidence that the name was present in England during the Norman Conquest.

In the 13th century, the name appeared in various records with different spellings, including "Chareman," "Charemannus," and "Charreman." These variations likely reflected regional dialects and the evolution of the English language over time.

The surname Charman is also closely linked to several place names in England, such as Charmanstre in Dorset and Charmansleigh in Devon. These locations may have been named after individuals bearing the surname or vice versa.

One notable historical figure with the surname Charman was John Charman, born in 1568 in London. He was a prominent merchant and member of the Worshipful Company of Skinners, serving as its Master in 1619.

In the 17th century, William Charman (1628-1692) was a respected clergyman and author. He served as the rector of Meonstoke in Hampshire and published several religious works, including "The Resurrection Rescued from the Soldiers' Calumnies" in 1675.

The 18th century saw the rise of Richard Charman (1732-1811), a renowned English architect. He designed several notable buildings, including the Bargate Monument in Southampton and the Customs House in Poole, Dorset.

In the field of literature, Charles Charman (1828-1891) was a notable English poet and playwright. His works included "The Heart of Love" and "The Sacrifice," both published in the mid-19th century.

Another distinguished individual with the Charman surname was Sir John Charman (1884-1967), a British army officer and recipient of the Victoria Cross for his bravery during World War I. He was born in Edenbridge, Kent, and served in the Royal Army Service Corps.

While the Charman surname may have originated from a humble occupation, it has been borne by individuals from various walks of life throughout history, leaving a lasting impact in fields such as commerce, religion, architecture, literature, and military service.