Gummer

Origin and Meaning The surname Gummer is of Anglo-Saxon origin, deriving from the Old English word "guma" which means man. The surname is considered to be a patronymic form of the old Germanic personal name "Gumanherd", combining the elements "guma", meaning man, and "heri" meaning army.

Historical Evolution The surname Gummer has been recorded in England since medieval times. The first known record of the name dates back to the early 13th century when a Roger Gumour was documented in the Close Rolls of Yorkshire. The name Gummer has since been found in various regions across England, including Norfolk, Suffolk, and Northumberland.

Notable Individuals

  • Sir John Selby Gummer (born 1939) – British Conservative politician who served as Member of Parliament and held various ministerial positions.
  • Penelope Gummer (born 1953) – British actress known for her roles in theatre, film, and television.
  • Sarah Gummer – An Australian actress who is known for her work in film and television.

Coat of Arms The Gummer family crest is described as a shield with a silver background symbolising peace, featuring a red lion passant representing courage and strength. The crest is accompanied by a hand holding a crown, displaying elements of royalty and nobility.

Modern Distribution Today, the surname Gummer is relatively rare, with only a limited number of individuals bearing the name in the United Kingdom. The name has also seen some dispersion to other English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Conclusion The surname Gummer holds historical significance within British genealogy, representing a lineage that can be traced back to the medieval era. While the name may not be as prevalent today, its legacy endures through notable individuals and the continuation of family histories across the globe.

There are approximately 746 people named Gummer in the UK. That makes it roughly the 9,247th most common surname in Britain. Around 11 in a million people in Britain are named Gummer.

Surname type: Occupational name

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • John
  • Marc
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Stephen
  • Steven

Female

  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Jane
  • Janet
  • Jill
  • Kari
  • Laura
  • Leonora
  • Linda
  • Margaret
  • Patricia
  • Samantha
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.