Surname Sumner - Meaning and Origin

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After taking a comprehensive DNA test at iGENEA, I gained a profound understanding of my surname, Sumner. The accuracy and technical precision of the results have enriched my knowledge about my ancestral roots, providing fascinating insights about my lineage that were previously unknown. The DNA tests used a combination of autosomal tests, yDNA, and mtDNA tests to trace my paternal and maternal lines, expanding my family tree and placing it within a wider historical context.

U. Sumner

Sumner: What does the surname Sumner mean?

The surname Sumner has an interesting origin and various possible meanings. It is an occupational name derived from the Old English term "sumnere" which means "summoner." A summoner was a medieval officer who served the ecclesiastical courts in England, mainly responsible for summoning people to appear before the church court to answer any accusations of ecclesiastical crimes.

Sumner could also be a patronymic surname, deriving from a male ancestor. It may have been based on that person's occupation as a summoner or an official who served summons, thereby passing it down to their descendants as a surname.

Additionally, its usage can also be traced back to Norman French influence in England. Variations of the surname Sumner can be found in many European countries, indicating its broad geographical spread and adoption. Despite its origins and various meanings, it is important to note that surnames have evolved over centuries, and their contemporary meanings might differ significantly from their original significance.

Sumner: Where does the name Sumner come from?

The last name Sumner is most commonly associated with the United Kingdom and the United States. In the United Kingdom, it is mostly found in the South East, with the highest concentrations in Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey. In the US, it is found predominantly in the Southeast and East Coast states, with highest concentrations in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. It is also present in states like New York, Pennsylvania and Georgia. In Australia, Sumner is also most common in the south-east of the country, specifically in Victoria and New South Wales.

In terms of numbers, the last name Sumner is not particularly common in any of these regions. According to the World Names Profiler, it is estimated that there are fewer than 35,000 individuals with the last name Sumner worldwide. In the United States, it ranks in the 8,000 to 16,000 range, whereas in the UK it only ranks in the 5,000 to 8,000 range.

Despite the small numbers, people with the last name Sumner can be found all over the world, although at much lower numbers than commonly found in the southern parts of both the United Kingdom and the United States.

Variations of the surname Sumner

Sumner is a surname of English origin, derived from the Olde English pre-7th Century word “somnere”, which was a job title for one who kept other people's accounts, or a supervisor – literally a “sumner”. It is a locational name from any of the places, particularly in the West of England, so named from this source. Variants of the surname include Somner, Summner, Sumnor, and Sumer. The patronymic form of the name is Sumnerman. There are also some spelling variations involving the additional letter “e” in place of the “u”, making Sumer, Summere, and Summeare, as well as Summeare.

The earliest recorded spelling of the Sumner surname dates back to 12th century England, in the book of “Records of the Templars” of 1185. The original entry was Latinised, and read “D’sumner, Robertus”. This translates into Olde English as “Robertus Sumner”. Other recordings are Roger Sumner in 1235, registered in Somerset; Roger Sumner in 1273, registered in Gloucestershire; and Agnes Sumner, in 1332, in Worcestershire.

In the modern era, the variant spellings of the surname continue to exist. In the United States the most common of these spellings are Sumner and Somner. Sumner remains the most common spelling in the United Kingdom, while in Australia the forms Somner and Sumner are both seen. All forms of the surname Sumner are known to exist in most English speaking countries.

Famous people with the name Sumner

• Gordon Sumner, or more famously known as Sting, is a British musician, singer, songwriter, and actor. He is best known as the lead singer of the band The Police.
• Ernst Sumner, a notable Austrian geologist, considered the 'founder of geology in Austria.'
• Katharine Sumner, a prominent American suffragist and labor leader.
• Joseph Sumner, an English actor known for roles on films such as 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales' and 'Jurassic World.'
• Ed Sumner, an Australian actor known for his roles in films such as 'Faces' and 'The Rover.'
• Geoff Sumner, an English actor known for his roles in television programmes such as 'Downton Abbey' and 'Sherlock'.
• Mary Sumner, an English Christian evangelist and founder of the Mothers' Union.
• Teddie-Joyce Sumner, an American Broadway actress and singer known for roles in plays such as 'Dreamgirls' and 'The Wiz'.
• Bill Sumner, an American politician and U.S. Representative from New York.
• Hillyer S. Sumner, an American businessman and founder of the Sumner Group.

Other surnames

Sumners