Surname Densmore - Meaning and Origin
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Densmore: What does the surname Densmore mean?
The last name Densmore is of English origin and has multiple distinct meanings and origins. It can be derived from both French and English surnames, and can also signal a person’s local origin and family history.
In French, Densmore is derived from ‘de Sainte-More’ which translates to ‘of Saint-More’ and was given to people who had previously lived in the area of Normandy known as ‘Saint-More’.
In England, there are several possible meanings for the name. It could be derived from the Anglo-Saxon denn, which refers to a small hill or mound. Alternatively, it could come from dens, meaning ‘dense undergrowth’ and signifies a person who lives in an area with thick foliage. As well, it could be taken from the Old English densmor, meaning ‘black moor’, which was a pejorative term for someone of African or Middle Eastern descent.
Overall, the name Densmore is a reflection of a person’s family history and geographical origin. It provides insight into the place they lived in and the culture they associated with, helping define the legacy they will leave behind.
Order DNA origin analysisDensmore: Where does the name Densmore come from?
The last name Densmore is most commonly found in the United States today. According to the Social Security Administration, Densmore was the 3,329th most popular surname in the United States in the year 2019.
The Densmore name is most commonly found in the northeastern part of the United States. Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey are the states with the highest number of people with the last name Densmore. It is also fairly common in rural areas of the country, particularly in the upper Midwest.
Tracing the origin of the Densmore name, it has its roots in England. The first known person of the Densmore surname was a man named William Densmore who was born in Norfolk, England, in 1614. After him, the surname has been most likely derived from people of the same name who came to the United States.
Though the name isn't as common today as it was in previous years, people of the Densmore name remain spread across the United States. It is common in many states such as Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey, but can also be found in rural areas such as the upper Midwest. It is not at all uncommon to meet someone with the Densmore last name in the United States today.
Variations of the surname Densmore
The surname Densmore is of English origin and has various variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin, including Denzmore, Denmore, Densmoor, Densmoree, Densmoor and Denzmor.
The earliest recorded spelling of the surname dates back to the eleventh century in England, where it was recorded as "Densmore" illustrating that the surname has been a recognizable one for centuries.
The variants in spelling of the same surname are directly linked to the original Densmore, as the spelling of monikers often changed over time as they were passed from one generation to the next and later professionals could not decipher the old writing of the individual's name and consequently spelled it as they heard it pronounced.
The variant of Denzmore is believed to stem from one of the old English dialects in which the pronunciation of Z was typically used for an S sound at the end of a word.
Other variations developed from incomplete record keeping; as names were frequently noted and created from just one part of the original name, such as Densmoor, Densmoree and Denzmor. The surname Densmore may also be found in the orthographic form and variations of "Dinmore," "Dandmore" and "Densmor."
These few examples offer insight into the many variations of Densmore that have emerged from a single original English surname.
Famous people with the name Densmore
- Raymond Densmore: Raymond was a professional American football player who played with the Chicago Cardinals and the Philadelphia Eagles.
- James Densmore: James was an American inventor and businessman; he developed the Densmore Typewriter, which was the first commercially successful machine-type writing machine in the United States.
- Esme Densmore: Esme was an American actress in the 1930s, appearing in numerous films such as the musicals Wake Up and Dream and The "Public Pays".
- William H. Densmore: William was a lawyer and politician. He was the Brooklyn District Attorney from 1896 to 1905, and served in the New York State Assembly from 1907 to 1910.
- Chris Densmore: Chris is an American hip-hop artist and producer from California, known for his work with the musical group The Coasters.
- John Densmore: John is an American musician, best known as the drummer of the psychedelic rock band The Doors.
- Mary Densmore: Mary was a Quaker and feminist who founded The National Society for the Promotion of Women's Trades and Occupations and organized the first women's labor union, The National League of Women Shoe Workers.
- J. W. Densmore: J. W. was an American founder and president of the Remington Arms Company, a firearms manufacturer.
- Willette Densmore: Willette was an American sculptor best known for her public works depicting Native American life.
- Ella Densmore: Ella was an American socialite and philanthropist, best known as the founder of the Densmore Society, which works to protect the wilderness and wildlife habitats of central Florida.