The given name Tillman has its origins in the Germanic languages, tracing back to the Old High German word "dilling," which means "member of the noble or distinguished family." The name is believed to have emerged around the 8th or 9th century AD, during the early medieval period in Europe.

Tillman is a compound name formed by combining the Old High German elements "dil" or "dili," meaning "noble" or "distinguished," and "man," meaning "man" or "person." This composition suggests that the name was initially used to denote a person of noble or distinguished lineage.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Tillman can be found in the Codex Traditionum Corbeiensium, a medieval cartulary from the Benedictine abbey of Corvey in present-day Germany, dated around the 9th century AD. This document mentions several individuals with the name Tillman, indicating its usage during that period.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Tillman. One of the most famous was Tillman Riemenschneider (c. 1460-1531), a renowned German sculptor and woodcarver from the Renaissance era, known for his intricate and expressive works adorning churches and cathedrals.

Another prominent figure was Tillman Hartmann (1547-1644), a German Lutheran theologian and philosopher who served as a professor at the University of Marburg and contributed significantly to the development of Protestant theology during the Reformation.

In the realm of literature, Tillman Olsen (1875-1952) was a Norwegian-American novelist and short story writer, celebrated for his works depicting the experiences of Norwegian immigrants in the United States.

The name Tillman also gained recognition in the field of science with Tillman Millington (1837-1915), an American inventor and engineer who developed several important innovations in the field of mechanical engineering, including improvements to steam engines and pumps.

Lastly, Tillman Franks (1884-1963) was an American baseball player and manager who played for various teams in the early 20th century, including the New York Highlanders (later renamed the Yankees) and the St. Louis Browns.

These examples demonstrate the wide-ranging influence and usage of the name Tillman throughout history, spanning various fields and cultures, from art and literature to science and sports.