Seligman

Seligman is a surname of German origin, found among Ashkenazi Jewish communities as well. It is derived from the German word selig meaning blessed, with the agent noun suffix -man, historically indicating a person, occupation, or family name.

In addition to being a surname, Seligman is used as a place name in the United States. The best-known example is Seligman, Arizona, a small town in Yavapai County along historic Route 66, established as a stopping point during the expansion of the American highway system; it preserves a mid-20th-century Western motif and serves as a tourist stop for Route 66 heritage. There may be other locations with the name, but Seligman, Arizona is the most widely cited in geographic references.

Notable people with the surname include Martin E. P. Seligman (born 1942), an American psychologist who helped found the modern field of positive psychology and is known for work on learned helplessness and well-being. His work has influenced psychology, education, and public health. The surname also appears in literature, business, and academia, often indicating Jewish or German heritage.