A surname of German origin, most notably associated with Lehman Brothers, the investment bank that collapsed in 2008.
From German Lehmann, meaning 'feudal tenant' or 'vassal,' from Middle High German lēheman, from lēhen 'fief' + man 'man.' The name indicated someone who held land in exchange for service to a lord.
The Lehman name ironically meant 'feudal tenant' - someone beholden to a lord - yet the Lehman Brothers became financial lords themselves before their spectacular 2008 collapse triggered the global financial crisis! Their fall was so significant that 'Lehman moment' became shorthand for systemic financial failure.
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