Show ContentsNeiman History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Neiman is a name of Anglo-Saxon origin. It was a name given to a stranger or newcomer. The surname Neiman is derived from the Old English words neowe, niwe, and nige, which all mean new, and the word mann, which means man. 1

"In Sussex documents of the XIII. cent. it is spelt Nieuweman, and latinized Novus Homo." 2 "Confined to the southern half of England and not occurring in any numbers north of a line drawn west from the Wash. It has evidently several homes, and is at present most frequently found in Essex, Wilts, Gloucestershire, and Worcestershire. This name signifies 'a stranger.' In the 13th century it was of frequent occurrence, as Neweman, in Cambridgeshire and Oxfordshire, and as Neuman it was also then common in Norfolk and Essex (Hundred Rolls), in which two counties it has been ever since established." 3

Early Origins of the Neiman family

The surname Neiman was first found in Dorset where they held a family seat from early times. There are also early records of Stangrim Noueman listed in the Pipe Rolls of Norfolk in 1166; Godwin Nieweman listed in the Pipe Rolls of Oxfordshire in 1169; and Robert le Nyman in the Subsidy Rolls of Sussex in 1296. 4

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 lists four entries for the name: Robert Niweman in Cambridgeshire; Herbert le Niweman in Oxfordshire; Matthew Neuman in Huntingdon; and John le Neuman in Bedfordshire. 5

"Stockleigh, [Devon] a seat of the Newman family, whose principal residence is at Mamhead, is close by; and not far distant is the quaint fishing village of Torcross." 6

Early History of the Neiman family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Neiman research. Another 81 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1597, 1602, 1636, 1643 and 1663 are included under the topic Early Neiman History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Neiman Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Neiman were recorded, including Newman, Newmen, Newmin and others.

Early Notables of the Neiman family

Notables of this surname at this time include: Samuel Newman (1602-1663), English-born, American clergyman in colonial Massachusetts, born in Banbury, Oxfordshire, he was prosecuted for nonconformity and emigrated...
Another 28 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Neiman Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Neiman Ranking

In the United States, the name Neiman is the 14,528th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 7

Ireland Migration of the Neiman family to Ireland

Some of the Neiman family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 64 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Neiman migration to the United States +

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Neiman family emigrate to North America:

Neiman Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • George Neiman, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1765 8
  • Herman Neiman, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1765 8
  • Andreas Neiman, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1767 8
  • Maria Neiman, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1793 8
Neiman Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • William Neiman, who arrived in Somerset County, Pennsylvania in 1852 8

Contemporary Notables of the name Neiman (post 1700) +

  • Nathaniel Neiman Craley Jr. (1927-2006), American Democratic Party politician, Furniture manufacturer; College instructor; Chair of York County Democratic Party, 1962-64; U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania 19th District, 1965-67


The Neiman Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Ubi amor ibi fides
Motto Translation: Where there is love there is faith.


  1. Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print
  2. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
  3. Guppy, Henry Brougham, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain. 1890. Print.
  4. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  5. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  6. Worth, R.N., A History of Devonshire London: Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row, E.G., 1895. Digital
  7. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  8. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)


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