Surname Lumpkin - Meaning and Origin

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M. Lumpkin

Lumpkin: What does the surname Lumpkin mean?

The surname Lumpkin is of English origin and traces back to the medieval period. It is derived from a nickname, "Lump," that was given to a chubby or solidly built person. The ending "-kin" is a diminutive suffix from old or middle English, often used to indicate a smaller or younger version, or sometimes used as a term of endearment. Therefore, the name Lumpkin might have originally referred to a small or young individual who was notably robust, sturdy, or plump. These sorts of descriptive nicknames were often used in the Middle Ages to distinguish between individuals with the same personal name, and they sometimes evolved into permanent surnames. It's also possible that, in some cases, the name Lumpkin could have been passed down maternally from a person known as "the wife of Lump". Therefore, while it is not a very common name today, Lumpkin serves as a reminder of the diverse naming customs of our ancestors.

Lumpkin: Where does the name Lumpkin come from?

The surname Lumpkin is of English origin, derived from the medieval first name Lumpkin, which is a diminutive form of the name Lombe. Lombe is itself derived from the Old Norse name "Lombi", which means "little lump". This surname started being used during the Middle Ages in England. After the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, the practice of adopting hereditary surnames began to spread, and the surname Lumpkin emerged in the county of Yorkshire, in the northern part of the country.

Today, the surname Lumpkin is relatively rare but can be found in English-speaking countries, particularly the United States, England, and to a lesser extent, Canada and Australia. Distribution of the Lumpkin surname in the United States is relatively scattered, with a higher concentration in the southern states, particularly Georgia, reflecting the movements of English settlers during the founding and expansion of the country.

Variations of the surname Lumpkin

Lumpkin is a surname with roots in English history, particularly in the region of Suffolk where the family held a family seat as Lords of the manor. Some of the earliest recorded variants of this surname include Lambechin, Lambekin, Lamekin, Lambkin, and Lamkin.

Over time and with migration, the name has been spelled and altered in various ways. Some of the spelling variations include Lumpkins, Lumpkeen, Lampkin, or Lampkins, which are generally used interchangeably.

In terms of surnames with the same origins, it might be related to or derived from other names with the 'kin' suffix which was often used in Middle English to indicate 'little' or 'the younger'. This suggests that Lumpkin could originally have been a nickname for a small or young person named Lamb or Lambe, a common medieval first name. Note that these extrapolations are speculative and may not be definitively accurate.

The transformation of this surname also occurred due to illiteracy or transcription errors when people moved to new places, especially during mass emigrations like the one to the New World. Therefore, it has several variations due to differences in regions, languages and cultures.

Famous people with the name Lumpkin

• Gene Lumpkin: American producer, musician and songwriter whose music has been featured in movies, television and stage productions.
• Emoni Lumpkin: former professional basketball player who played in the NBA, the CBA, and for the Philippine Patriots.
• Quinn Lumpkin: NCAA men's basketball player who played for the University of Tennessee.
• Les Lumpkin: professional actor and director of theater productions, known for the television shows Walker, Texas Ranger and Murder in the Phase.
• Vanessa Lumpkin: professional dancer and choreographer who has worked in movies, television shows, and music videos.
• Mabel Lumpkin: African American civil rights leader and educator known for her work in the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955.
• Terrell Lumpkin: American football player who played in the NFL for the Minnesota Vikings and the Denver Broncos.
• Brandon Lumpkin: NCAA college football player who played for the University of Oregon, the University of South Carolina, and the Ohio Bobcats.
• Josh Lumpkin: former professional golf player and co-founder of the Florida Tour.
• Jermaine Lumpkin: former comedian, actor, and writer who is best known for his work on The Chris Rock Show.

Other surnames

Lumpkins