Goman - Name

This unusual name is derived from the English status name 'Yeoman' which in turn originated from the Middle English 'Yoman'. This was a term used for an attendant of high rank in a noble household. It appears to have ultimately derived from the Olde English pre 7th Century 'geong' meaning young and 'mann' meaning man. In later usage it became a name for an independent free holder. An interesting variant of Goman is found in the record of marriage for one Edward Gooman and Mary Bulley on April 16th 1581 at St. Dunstan's , London. On April 5th 1732 Edward Goman was christened at St. George's in the East, London as was George Goman on November 11th, 1759. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Thomas le Yoman, which was dated 1381 Subsidy Rolls, Staffordshire, during the reign of King Richard II, Richard of Bordeaux, 1377 - 1399. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.