Surname Bumpas - Meaning and Origin

Bumpas: What does the surname Bumpas mean?

The surname Bumpas is believed to be of French origin, derived from the Old French term "bon pas" which means "good step." It was likely used as a nickname for someone who walked confidently or elegantly, or perhaps metaphorically for someone who made wise choices (i.e., someone who "takes good steps"). It could also potentially be a locational surname referring to someone who lived by a conspicuous place for crossing a hill, from the Old English words “bun” meaning “base” or “foot,” and “pas” meaning “pace” or “step”. As with many surnames, the exact origin and meaning can vary and be influenced by regional dialects and changes over time. Bumpas is relatively rare as a surname in modern times.

Bumpas: Where does the name Bumpas come from?

The surname Bumpas is of English origin. It is believed to derive from a place name, possibly from the village of Bempton in the East Riding of Yorkshire. The spelling changed over time due to dialectical influences and phonetic spelling during the Middle Ages.

Historical documents indicate the existence of this surname since the 17th century, with the name appearing in parish records in London in 1619. The Bumpas family has been connected to the English nobility and aristocracy, giving the name a degree of prestige.

Today, the Bumpas surname is not particularly common and it is mostly found in the United States, particularly in the southern states like Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia. Additional pockets of Bumpas families are found in England. It is also present, though less frequently, in Australia and Canada. Like many surnames, the distribution of people named Bumpas has been influenced by historical migration, economic conditions, and other factors over centuries.

Variations of the surname Bumpas

The surname Bumpas originated from England. It is derived from the place name Bumpstead in Essex and was initially used to identify individuals from this particular area. As a result of regional dialects and the lack of standardized spelling in historical times, surnames often have multiple variants and spellings. For Bumpas, various spellings include Bumpass, Bumpus, Bumpis, Bumpuss, Bumphus, Bumpers, and Bompas. It is also worth noting that over time, and particularly as families migrate, surnames can morph into different forms, further adding to the list of variants so there might be some unrecognized or rare forms as well. Bumpstead itself is also used as a surname and could be construed as a variant of Bumpas. However, the spelling and pronunciation of these surnames can vary widely, largely depending on regional pronunciations and personal preference. Ultimately, all versions trace back to the place name of Northern European origin.

Famous people with the name Bumpas

• Andy Bumpas: American professional baseball player who pitched for the Montreal Expos in 1980.
• Terry Bumpas: American actor and musician, best known for his role in the 1993 comedy, “Grumpy Old Men”.
• Belle Bumpas: American playwright best known for her works in the late 19th century.
• Steve Bumpas: American jazz vocalist and recording artist.
• Brad Bumpas: Retired American pitcher who played for the Detroit Tigers in 1995.
• Rob Bumpas: American Los Angeles based visual artist.
• Chris Bumpas: American composer, educator, multimedia artist, and music producer.
• Wes Bumpas: American film and television director, and writer.
• Christina Bumpas: Professional football coach currently working with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
• Christine Bumpas: Scottish jazz vocalist, best known for her work with the London musical ensemble, “Big Band Big”.

Other surnames

Bumpass