Show ContentsColtmen History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The history of the Coltmen name began with the ancient Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. The name is derived from the occupation "the coltman" or horse breeder. 1 2 3

Early Origins of the Coltmen family

The surname Coltmen was first found in Cumberland where Anote Coltman was listed in the Subsidy Rolls of 1332. Later, John le Coltman was listed in Cheshire in 1365. This latter entry underscores the occupational origin of the name as this entry literally translates as "John the Coltman."

The Writs of Parliament lists Geoffrey Coltman, 1313 and checking Yorkshire records we found Richard Coltman listed there in the Corpus Christi Guild (Surtees Society) in 1494. 1

Early History of the Coltmen family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Coltmen research. Another 95 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1365, 1703 and 1759 are included under the topic Early Coltmen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Coltmen Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Coltmen has been spelled many different ways, including Coltman, Coultman and others.

Early Notables of the Coltmen family

More information is included under the topic Early Coltmen Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Coltmen family

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Coltmens to arrive in North America: John Coltman of Wethersfield who came from Sutton Coldfield in Warwickshire, he settled in Springfield Mass in 1644; Ann Coltman settled in Virginia in 1623.



  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
  3. Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print


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