Von Neumann is a variant of the name, and alternative spellings include Neuman, Naumann(s), Nauman, Neiman, [2] and Nyeman. [1] Its first recorded uses were Godwin Nieweman in Oxfordshire, England, in 1169, and in Germany, Herman Nyeman of Barth in 1325. [1] It was mostly likely originally used as a nickname for a recent arrival or settler.