Inman is a surname originating in both England and Scotland. It usually originates from the Medieval English occupational word "Innman", and describes an innkeeper. The origin is the pre 7th century word "inn" meaning a lodging place where alcoholic beverages were served, plus "man", in this case a keeper or foreman. The first recording of the surname Inman is from the late 14th century, occupational surnames being among the first to be recorded but the last to be hereditary. They usually only became so when a son or sometimes a grandson in medieval England would follow their father into the same line of business. It has also been suggested that the surname derives from an Old English pre 7th century personal name Ingemund, a compound of "Ing", the name of a minor Norse god of fertility, plus "mund", protection. Notable people with the surname include:
Toni Jade Inman (2000- present), Best person ever
Arthur Crew Inman (1895–1963), American poet
Bobby Ray Inman (b. 1931), American admiral
Bradley Inman (b. ? ), (also known as Brad Inman, American Internet entrepreneur
Clayton Inman (b. ? ), American singer, member of the Triumphant Quartet Christian and southern gospel group
Douglas Inman (1920–2016), American oceanographer
Florence Elsie Inman (1891–1986), Canadian politician
Henry Inman (disambiguation), several people
Ida Mary Inman (1894–1985), generally known as Mary Inman, American feminist, political activist, and writer
Ira E. Inman (1868–1954), American farmer and politician
Jeremy Inman (b. ? ), American anime voice actor
Jerry Inman (b. 1940), American football player
Joe Inman (b. 1947), American professional golfer
John Inman (1935–2007), English actor and singer
John Inman (golfer) (b. 1962), American professional golfer and college men's golf head coach
Josh Inman (b. 1980), American rower
Matthew Inman (b. 1982), American cartoonist and creator of humor site The Oatmeal
Melbourne Inman (1878–1951), British billiards player
P. Inman (b. 1947), full name Peter Inman, American poet
Philip Inman, 1st Baron Inman (1892–1979), British politician
Robert Inman (1931–2006), American educator, journalist, and author
Samuel M. Inman (1843–1915), American merchant
Scott Inman (disambiguation), several people
Stu Inman (1926–2007), American basketball executive and interim coach
William Inman (1825–1881) British shipowner
