| ![Show Contents]() Wergman History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
Etymology of WergmanWhat does the name Wergman mean? The people known in ancient Scotland as the Picts were the forefathers of the Wergman family. It is a name for a laborer. The surname Wergman comes from the Old English word work, or weorc, both of which mean "work." In the Middle Ages, the word workman was also applied to ambidextrous people as a nickname. The more common derivation, however, is the occupational one, which was a name given to a laborer. "Under English feudal law, a tenant who had to do certain week-work." 1 Another source notes that the name denotes "one who worked so many days a week for the lord of the manor in return for the land he held." 2 Early Origins of the Wergman familyThe surname Wergman was first found in the Orkneys, were they held a family seat from very ancient times, long before the Norman Conquest in 1066. The name is believed to be derived from the lands of Work, from the parish of St. Ola. 1 Further to the south in England, the first record of the family was found in Kent, where Adwordus Wercman was listed in 1214. Later William le Werkman was found in the Feet of Fines for Sussex in 1236 and Gilbert le Worcman was found in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1279. 3 "This surname has ramified strongly in the county of Gloucester." 4 Early History of the Wergman familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Wergman research. Another 73 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1563, 1597, 1696, 1799, 1876 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Wergman History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Wergman Spelling VariationsAlthough Medieval Scotland lacked a basic set of spelling rules, which meant that scribes recorded names according to their sounds it was not uncommon for the names of a father and son to be recorded differently. As a result, there are many spelling variations of Scottish single names. Wergman has been written Workman, Wortman, Wartman, Wergman, Wirgman and others. Early Notables of the Wergman familyAnother 31 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Wergman Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Wergman family to IrelandSome of the Wergman family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 90 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Wergman familyThousands of Scots left their home country to travel to Ireland or Australia, or to cross the Atlantic for the North American colonies. The difficult crossing was an enormous hurdle, but those who survived found freedom and opportunity in ample measure. Some Scots even fought for their freedom in the American War of Independence. This century, their ancestors have become aware of the illustrious history of the Scots in North America and at home through Clan societies and other organizations. Passenger and immigration lists show many early and influential immigrants bearing the name Wergman: Richard Workman settled in Virginia in 1648; John Workman settled in Virginia in 1653; William Workman settled in Virginia in 1655; Samuel Workeman settled in Maryland in 1680..
- Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
- Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
- Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
- Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
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