Surname Byrum - Meaning and Origin
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Byrum: What does the surname Byrum mean?
The last name Byrum is of English origin and is a variant of the surname Bryum which was derived from the Anglo-Saxon given name Biorhyth, which itself was derived from the Old English word beorr meaning 'bear'. Byrum was first used as a surname in the Midlands of England around the time of the Norman Conquest.
Like many surnames, Byrum developed over time as families moved from one place to another. early records show many variations in spelling including Baim, Berum, Byram, Byrnam and Byrom.
The meaning of Byrum has changed over the centuries and today there are numerous interpretations depending on the family and context. In some families, it's taken to mean brave and strong, while others might associate it with sons of the bear or a bear spirit. The ancient bear-cult of Germanic and Norse mythology was thought to be a powerful protector, shape-shifter and symbol of strength and courage.
Today, the surname Byrum is widespread throughout the English-speaking world. It is a symbol of the strength and courage of generations that have gone before us.
Order DNA origin analysisByrum: Where does the name Byrum come from?
The last name Byrum is most commonly found in the United States, and is particularly well-represented in the states of Tennessee, North Carolina, Missouri, Kentucky, and Arkansas. The origins of the family name are likely to have come from Scotland or England, with many of the original bearers emigrating from there to America in the 17th and 18th centuries.
As of the most recent records in the US census in 2020, around 7,600 people share the Byrum surname, ranking it at position 18,278 in terms of popularity in the United States. This makes it a reasonably uncommon name, much more so in other English-speaking countries.
Despite its relative rarity, the Byrum family name has a long history in the US and has seen some notable accomplishments over the years, with examples such as the former Major League baseball pitcher, George Byrum. It is also covered in some widely respected genealogy research, such as the History of the Byrum Family Tree, with details of the families of William Byrum and Martha Pearson going back to when they first settled in Franklin County, Tennessee in 1797.
The Byrum name is generally seen as an American name, but with its Scottish and English roots, there are still some people living in those countries who bear it.
Variations of the surname Byrum
The surname Byrum is a spelling variant of two surnames of German origin: Behrend and Bernd. The spelling variant Behrend is a patronymic surname derived from the German personal name Behrend which is a variant spelling of the given name Bernhard meaning “strong as a bear”. The spelling variant Bernd is also a patronymic surname derived from the German personal name Bernd which is a variant spelling of the given name Bernard meaning “bold as a bear”.
Other spelling variants for the surname Byrum include Berndt, Berent, Bernt, Berntt, Bahrend, Band, Behrendt, Barand, Bard, Beaird, Behold, Berndts, Berant, Berend, Berman, Bernath, Berntz, Bert, Buhr, Burnt, Bairds, Barnts, Barents, Barentsen, Bart, Barten, Barth, Berdts, Berndes, Bernet, Birnet, Brend, Brendt, Brindt, and Bront.
Some distinct surnames related to the Byrum surname include Beaird, Beering, Berend, Berens, Berg, Berger, and Bergen. All of these surnames have separate origins, but have since merged or become interchangeable, contributing to many variants and spellings of the same surname.
Overall, the Byrum surname is an ancient Germanic name with many spelling variants and related surnames, each of which can trace its origination back to early Germanic individuals.
Famous people with the name Byrum
- Damon Byrum: Professional bass guitarist from the American rock band, Mudvayne.
- Nikki Byrum: Ms. Virginia Beauty Queen of 2013.
- Rick Byrum: American actor and stunt performer.
- Robert Byrum: Former NFL defensive lineman and current radio host.
- Pat Byrum: American professional golfer.
- Thomas Byrum: Former NASCAR driver.
- Robert Byrum Stephens: American lawyer and politician from the state of North Carolina.
- Claude Byrum: Member of the Mississippi House of Representatives representing the 4th District from 1993 to 2004.
- Allen Byrum: Professional basketball player who has played in the NBA, ABA, USBL, and other leagues.
- Clifton Byrum: Musician, composer, and producer who has worked with artist including Guns N' Roses and Asia.