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 everArthur Crew Inman (1895–1963), American poetBobby Ray Inman (b. 1931), American admiralBradley Inman (b. ? ), (also known as Brad Inman, American Internet entrepreneurClayton Inman (b. ? ), American singer, member of the Triumphant Quartet Christian and southern gospel groupDouglas Inman (1920–2016), American oceanographerFlorence Elsie Inman (1891–1986), Canadian politicianHenry Inman (disambiguation), several peopleIda Mary Inman (1894–1985), generally known as Mary Inman, American feminist, political activist, and writerIra E. Inman (1868–1954), American farmer and politicianJeremy Inman (b. ? ), American anime voice actorJerry Inman (b. 1940), American football playerJoe Inman (b. 1947), American professional golferJohn Inman (1935–2007), English actor and singerJohn Inman (golfer) (b. 1962), American professional golfer and college men's golf head coachJosh Inman (b. 1980), American rowerMatthew Inman (b. 1982), American cartoonist and creator of humor site The OatmealMelbourne Inman (1878–1951), British billiards playerP. Inman (b. 1947), full name Peter Inman, American poetPhilip Inman, 1st Baron Inman (1892–1979), British politicianRobert Inman (1931–2006), American educator, journalist, and authorSamuel M. Inman (1843–1915), American merchantScott Inman (disambiguation), several peopleStu Inman (1926–2007), American basketball executive and interim coachWilliam Inman (1825–1881) British shipowner