I had Silbermans/Zilbermans in my family from what is now Moldova but was Romania between the world wars. That was their name before emigration. They were jewelers and silversmiths, and I think that’s where the name came from. So I wouldn’t rule out the name as being original. --
Stephen, It is impossible to help you without more information on your person so as to distinguish him from the many others with the same name. How do you know they came through Newport News (Virginia?). What documents do you have? Where did he live in the US? Is there a census? Post pictures of documents. You would do best to create a new posting that includes the information you have on your person. Just my thought.
His surname in Romania was likely not Silberman. My husband's mother was a Silverman, originally Zalman, and likely from Roman, Romania. -- Glenda Mattes Boston, MA, USA ggmat@...
