Show ContentsCasman History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The distinguished surname Casman emerged among the industrious people of Flanders, which was an important trading partner and political ally of Britain during the Middle Ages. As a result of the frequent commercial intercourse between the Flemish and English nations, many Flemish migrants settled in Britain. In early times, people were known by only a single name. However, as the population grew and people traveled further afield, it became increasingly necessary to assume an additional name to differentiate between bearers of the same personal name. One of the most common classes of surname is the patronymic surname, which was usually derived from the first name of the person's father. Flemish surnames of this type are often characterized by the diminutive suffix -kin, which became very frequent in England during the 14th century. The surname Casman is derived from Mac Asmundr. This is derived from the Celtic word Mac, which means son, and the Old Norse name Asmundr, which literally means god protector. Many Scandinavian personal names were left in the British Isles as a legacy of the Viking raids which plagued the coastal regions of Britain from the 8th to 10th centuries. 1

Early Origins of the Casman family

The surname Casman was first found in Glamorganshire where they had been granted lands from about the year 1550.

Early History of the Casman family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Casman research. Another 93 words (7 lines of text) covering the year 1640 is included under the topic Early Casman History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Casman Spelling Variations

Flemish surnames are characterized by a large number of spelling variations. One reason for this is that medieval English lacked definite spelling rules. The spellings of surnames were also influenced by the official court languages, which were French and Latin. Names were rarely spelled consistently in medieval times. Scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, rather than adhering to specific spelling rules, and people often had their names registered in several different forms throughout their lives. One of the greatest reasons for change is the linguistic uniqueness of the Flemish settlers in England, who spoke a language closely related to Dutch. The pronunciation and spelling of Flemish names were often altered to suit the tastes of English-speaking people. In many cases, the first, final, or middle syllables of surnames were eliminated. The name has been spelled Casement, Casment and others.

Early Notables of the Casman family

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

Ireland Migration of the Casman family to Ireland

Some of the Casman family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Casman migration to the United States +

An examination into the immigration and passenger lists has discovered a number of people bearing the name Casman:

Casman Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • Roger Casman, aged 15, who landed in New England in 1638 2
Casman Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Rudolph Casman, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1731 2
Casman Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Adam Casman, who arrived in Washington County, Pennsylvania in 1834 2
Casman Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Richard Jacques Casman, aged 24, who immigrated to the United States, in 1912
  • Michael E. Casman, aged 26, who landed in America, in 1918
  • Michael G. Casman, aged 24, who settled in America, in 1918
  • Otto Casman, aged 39, who landed in America, in 1922

Contemporary Notables of the name Casman (post 1700) +

  • Nellie Casman (1896-1984), Russian actress and singer in Yiddish theater


The Casman 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: Dum Spiro Spero
Motto Translation: While I have breath I hope.


  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. 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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