HUMPHRYS
Humphrys
Overview
"Humphrys" is a British surname of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the personal name "Humphrey", which itself derives from the Old Germanic name "Hunfrith" meaning "bear cub". The surname has interesting historical significance in British history and has been recorded in various forms, including Humphreys, Humphries, Humphry, and Humphrey.
Origins and Historical Background
The surname Humphrys can be traced back to medieval England, where it was commonly used as a first name before becoming a hereditary surname. The earliest recorded instance of the surname is from the 12th century, during the reign of King Henry II. The Humphrys family is believed to have originated in the region of the Welsh Marches, an area of Wales and England along the border, and subsequently spread to other parts of the British Isles.
Notable Bearers
Over the centuries, the name Humphrys has been borne by several notable individuals in British history. One of the most famous bearers of the surname was William Humphrys, an influential 17th-century politician and member of the English Parliament. Additionally, the name has been associated with scholars, artists, and prominent figures in various fields.
Distribution and Popularity
The surname Humphrys is not among the most common surnames in the United Kingdom. It is more prevalent in certain regions, such as Wales and the West Midlands, where the family likely originated. Despite not being as widespread as some other surnames, the name Humphrys continues to be passed down through generations, maintaining its historical and familial significance.
Variants and Regional Spellings
As with many surnames of English origin, Humphrys has several variants and regional spellings, including Humphreys, Humphries, and Humphrey. These variations often reflect changes in spelling over time or regional accents and dialects. Despite the different spellings, these names are considered variations of the same surname.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the surname Humphrys is a distinctive and storied name of Anglo-Saxon origin with a rich history in Britain. From its medieval origins as a personal name to its evolution into a hereditary surname, the name Humphrys has been carried by individuals who have made significant contributions to British society. Through its variants and regional spellings, the name continues to be a part of British heritage and identity.
There are approximately 891 people named Humphrys in the UK. That makes it roughly the 8,084th most common surname in Britain. Around 14 in a million people in Britain are named Humphrys.
Surname type: From name of parent
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
- Brian
- Christopher
- David
- Graham
- James
- Kevin
- Mark
- Matthew
- Michael
- Peter
- Richard
- William
Female
- Anne
- Caroline
- Charlotte
- Dianne
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Jean
- Josephine
- Margaret
- Natalie
- Nicola
- Sandra
- Sarah
- Victoria
Similar and related surnames
- Humphrey
- Humphreys
- Humphries
- Humphry
- Humphris
- Humphery
- Hamphrys
- Hamphreys
- Humphyrs
- Hamphrey
- Hamphries
- Hemphrey
- Hemphries
- Humfrays
- Humfrey
- Humfreys
- Humfries
- Humfry
- Humfryes
- Humperys
- Humpfreys
- Humpherey
- Humphereys
- Humpheries
- Humpheris
- Humphers
- Humpheryes
- Humpherys
- Humphfrey
- Humphirys
- Humphory
- Humphras
- Humphray
- Humphrays
- Humphrees
- Humphreis
- Humphres
- Humphress
- Humphreyes
- Humphrie
- Humphriess
- Humphriey
- Humphrise
- Humphriss
- Humphrs
- Humphrye
- Humphryes
- Humphryson
- Humphyres
- Humprys
- Humpfrey
- Humpfris
- Humphes
- Humphires
- Humphores
- Humphreyies
- Humphreyson
- Humphys
- Humpreys
- Humpry
- Hunphreys
- Hymphreys
- Humprey
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.