The name Norman has its origins in the Old Norse language, spoken by Scandinavian peoples during the Viking Age. It is derived from the words "norðr" meaning "north" and "maðr" meaning "man." The name was originally a descriptive epithet used to refer to Norsemen or Vikings who had ventured and settled in regions to the north.

In the 9th century, Norman Vikings from present-day Denmark and Norway began to raid and eventually settle in the region of northwestern France known as Normandy. The name Norman came to be associated with these Norse settlers and their descendants, who adopted French culture and language while retaining aspects of their Viking heritage.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Norman can be found in the Ecclesiastical History of the English People, written by the Venerable Bede in the 8th century. Here, Bede refers to "Normannic" pirates who raided the coast of Gaul (modern-day France) in the 6th century.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the name Norman became widespread in regions influenced by the Normans, particularly in England, where it was introduced after the Norman Conquest of 1066. Some notable historical figures bearing the name Norman include:

1. Norman Leveille (1923-2005), Canadian ice hockey player and coach.
2. Norman Mailer (1923-2007), American novelist, journalist, and playwright.
3. Norman Rockwell (1894-1978), American painter and illustrator known for his depictions of American culture.
4. Norman Schwarzkopf (1934-2012), American military leader who commanded coalition forces during the Gulf War.
5. Norman Borlaug (1914-2009), American agronomist and humanitarian who is credited with saving over a billion lives through his work in developing high-yielding, disease-resistant wheat varieties.

Over time, the name Norman has spread across various cultures and languages, with variations in spelling and pronunciation. However, its roots can be traced back to the Viking Age and the Norman conquest of parts of Europe, a legacy that continues to be reflected in its enduring use as a given name.