Surname Cushman - Meaning and Origin
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read moreCushman: What does the surname Cushman mean?
The surname Cushman is of Old English origin and is a professional or occupational surname given to someone who served as a maker of cushions, mattresses, or beds. It is derived from the words "cussin" or "cusion", which mean cushion, and "mann", meaning man. These terms were historically spelled as “cusschensmon” or “cusshenmann” earlier in the Middle Ages. This surname was very popular among artisans during the medieval era, especially those engaged in the textile industry. As with many other surnames, it generally served the purpose of identifying a person's trade or profession. Over time, Cushman has seen variations in its spelling such as Cousinman, Cussheman, and Cushonman. Always, the linguistic etymology remains consistent - a man who makes cushions. Today, it is found in various parts of the world, although it is still most commonly found in England, the country of its origin.
Order DNA origin analysisCushman: Where does the name Cushman come from?
The surname Cushman originated from Great Britain, specifically from England. The name is derived from early English occupational names for someone who made or sold cushions and mattresses, formed from 'Cu(o)shen Mann'. It denotes "cushion maker". Cushions and mattresses during those times were considered luxury items. The first recorded reference of this surname dates back to the late 13th century.
Today, the Cushman surname is common in the United States, particularly in the Midwest and the Northeast. It might be due to the fact that some of the earliest settlers in America were the descendants of Robert Cushman, a Puritan leader from England who took part in establishing the Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts in the 1620s. That being said, this surname can be found in many English-speaking countries around the world. However, compared to other surnames, Cushman is not very common overall.
Variations of the surname Cushman
The surname Cushman is of English origin and is derived from the ancient hereditary profession of a cushion maker or dealer in cushions. There are several variations of this surname as it spread to various countries and regions, adopting unique spellings and sometimes even completely different surnames that have the same common root. The surname Cushman is sometimes spelled Cushmann, Cushionman, or Cushenman, depending upon its regional location and dialect. There are also possible forms like Koshman, an adaptation most likely seen in Ukrainian or Russian immigrants, which represents similar sounds.
English variants include Cussheman, Cushen, Cushion, Cushen, Kushman, and those which have slightly altered morphological structures: Cooshman and Kewshon. The surname, due to marriage or change of nationality, may also be hyphenated such as Cushman-Smith or Cushman-Davis.
Surnames of the same origin but different variations may also include occupational surnames referring to 'cushion making' or 'cushion dealing' from various historical periods, dialects, or phonetic transformations over time. It's also common for surnames to transform as families move across different regions so historical and genealogical research may yield even more variants.
Famous people with the name Cushman
- Charlotte Saunders Cushman: She was a renowned American stage actress in the 19th century.
- Robert E. Cushman Jr.: He was a former United States Marine Corps general and served as the 17th Commandant of the Marine Corps.
- James S. Cushman: He was a United States federal judge who served for nearly a decade in this role.
- Frank Hamilton Cushman: He served as a Republican U.S. Congressman from Washington.
- Allie Beth Allman: Born Allie Beth Cushman, she is a prominent real estate broker in Dallas, Texas.
- Pauline Cushman: She was an actress and a spy for the Union in the Civil War.
- Susan Cushman: She is a famous author best known for her books "Cherry Bomb" and "Friends of the Library."
- Brian Cushman: An American actor known for his roles in "Grey's Anatomy" and "Chicago Med."
- Karen Cushman: An American author best known for her historical novels for children such as "The Midwife's Apprentice" which won a Newbery Medal.
- Richard D. Cushman: He was an American businessman and philanthropist.
- Al Cushman: A retired American Basketball player.