Thurman is an English surname and given name with a unique and interesting history. It originated as an occupational name for a miller or farmer, derived from the Old English word "þyrn" meaning "millstream." The name was also associated with the Old Norse personal name "Þórmundr," which was composed of the elements "Þór" meaning "Thor" (the god of thunder in Norse mythology) and "mundr" meaning "protection."
The name Thurman was brought to England by Norman settlers after the Norman Conquest in 1066. It was first recorded as a surname in the early 13th century, with the birth of Richard filz (son of) Turmann in Suffolk in 1273.
Over time, Thurman has evolved from a purely occupational surname to a given name. Today, it is more commonly used as a male given name, although it can also be used for females. Some notable individuals with the name Thurman include American actors Robert Thurman and Uma Thurman, both of whom are children of Buddhist scholar Robert Thurman.
In popular culture, Thurman has been featured in various films and television shows, such as "Kill Bill" starring Uma Thurman, and "The Thurman Wonderbar," a short film about a magical bar owned by a man named Thurman. Despite its unique spelling and sound, Thurman is not particularly common, making it a distinctive choice for parents looking for an unusual but meaningful name for their child.
Overall, the name Thurman has a rich history that dates back to medieval England, with roots in both Old English and Norse languages. Its meaning of "millstream" or "protection" makes it a fitting choice for those who wish to honor their heritage or simply appreciate its unique sound and spelling.
The name Thurman peaked in popularity between 1914 and 1923, with a total of over 3,700 births during those years alone. However, its usage has steadily declined since the late 1940s, dropping from around 250 births per year in the mid-1940s to just 5 births in 2022. Overall, there have been a total of 16,385 births with the name Thurman from 1880 to 2023.