Humphreys

Origin of the Name

Humphreys is a surname of Welsh origin, derived from the personal name "Humphrey". The name itself is of Germanic origin, coming from the Old High German name Humfrid, which means "peaceful warrior". The surname Humphreys dates back to the medieval period in England and Wales.

History

The Humphreys surname has ancient roots, primarily found in Wales and England. It is believed to have been introduced to Britain by the Normans after the Norman Conquest of 1066. Over time, the name spread across the British Isles, with various branches of the Humphreys family establishing themselves in different regions.

Notable Individuals

The surname Humphreys has been associated with several notable individuals throughout history. These include:

  • David Humphreys: An American Revolutionary War colonel and aide to George Washington.
  • Hubert Humphrey: A former Vice President of the United States and prominent American politician.
  • Sarah Josepha Hale (née Buell): An American writer and influential editor of the 19th century, who was born with the surname Humphreys.

Modern Distribution

Today, the surname Humphreys remains common in Wales, England, and other English-speaking countries. It is often found among people of Welsh heritage, reflecting the historical origins of the name.

Variations

Variations of the Humphreys surname include Humphries, Humphrys, and Humprys, among others. These variations may reflect regional accents, historical spelling variations, or anglicized forms of the name.

Coat of Arms

The Humphreys family crest typically features symbols associated with strength, protection, and heraldic imagery. These symbols may vary depending on the specific branch of the family and its history.

Conclusion

The surname Humphreys carries a rich history rooted in Wales and England, with a lineage of individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields. Today, it continues to be a recognizable and respected surname among people of Welsh descent and beyond.

There are approximately 22,799 people named Humphreys in the UK. That makes it the 371st most common surname in Britain. Around 350 in a million people in Britain are named Humphreys.

Surname type: From name of parent

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Wales

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Welsh

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • David
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Anne
  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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