Toomer

Toomer is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old English word "tumere," which referred to a person who grew or sold "toom," a type of rope or twine made from straw or hemp. The Toomer surname is classified as a topographical or occupational surname, indicating that it either described a person's residence near a place known for producing toom, or identified a person who was a toom producer or seller.

Origins and Distribution

The surname Toomer is recorded in historical documents as far back as the 13th century. It is primarily found in southern England, particularly in the counties of Wiltshire, Somerset, and Hampshire. Over time, the surname has spread and can be found throughout the United Kingdom and in regions with historical ties to England.

Notable Individuals

  1. Joyce Toomer (1904–1996): An English author known for her works of historical fiction set in the medieval period.
  2. Tom Toomer (1948–): Former professional footballer who played for several clubs in the English Football League.

Variants

Variants of the Toomer surname include Tumer, Toomere, Tumour, and Toomar. These variations may have arisen due to regional accents, dialects, or clerical errors when recording names in historical documents.

Popularity

The Toomer surname is relatively uncommon in comparison to more widespread English surnames. However, it retains a sense of heritage and history for those who bear this distinctive surname.

In conclusion, the surname Toomer has a rich history rooted in English culture and craftsmanship, reflecting the significance of traditional occupations and trades in shaping family names.

There are approximately 769 people named Toomer in the UK. That makes it roughly the 9,048th most common surname in Britain. Around 12 in a million people in Britain are named Toomer.

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

  • Alan
  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • Gary
  • James
  • John
  • Jonathan
  • Mark
  • Nicholas
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Stephen

Female

  • Ann
  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Emily
  • Helen
  • Jennifer
  • Joan
  • Karen
  • Louise
  • Margaret
  • Marleen
  • 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.

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