This is an early medieval English surname which is job descriptive either for a worker in Gold or the servant or friend of "Gold", from the Olde English "mann" and "Golda" - a nickname for one with fair hair. Either way, the name has long been recorded, whilst remaining quite rare. It is claimed that the word "Goldmann" was first recorded on a Gold coin pre 1066, issued by the Essex Mint, although we have not been able to obtain possible proof. The name development incudes Maud Goldman, 1393, The London Court of Pleas, whilst Francis Goldman or Gouldman (deceased 1688) was the Rector of South Ockendon, Essex. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Adam Goldeman, which was dated 1297, The Pipe Rolls of Yorkshire, during the reign of King Edward I, The Hammer of the Scots, 1272 - 1307. 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.

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