Surname Bumpus - Meaning and Origin
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Bumpus: What does the surname Bumpus mean?
The surname Bumpus is of English origin, likely derived from a nickname or geographical location. Some suggest it could have evolved from the Middle English word 'bump' implying a swelling or a lump, possibly referring to a person with a hump or physical deformity, or colloquially, a person of extraordinary strength or size. As a topographic surname, it could indicate a person living in a mound or hill, box-shaped structure or near a tree stump. However, there isn't a definitive meaning for "Bumpus" as the roots of surnames often date back centuries and their meanings can change or become lost over time. Like many surnames, it's associated with families' historical occupations, physical characteristics, or locations, reflecting society's structure during their creation. Researching family history could provide more individual significance.
Order DNA origin analysisBumpus: Where does the name Bumpus come from?
The surname Bumpus is of English origin and is believed to be traced back to the medieval times in the regions of Devon and Cornwall in England. In the Old English, the name was believed to be a nickname for a plump or stout person, deriving from "bun" meaning "belly". The earliest recorded instance of this surname dates back to the 13th century with a certain Roger Bumpace in the Assize Rolls of Cheshire in 1287.
Today, the Bumpus surname is not very common, with the highest concentration of people with this name residing in the United States. In terms of the global distribution of the Bumpus surname, it's most widespread in America, followed by England. In America, Bumpus is most prevalent in the state of Massachusetts and least prevalent in Alabama. There are also small pockets of Bumpus families found in Canada and Australia. Despite its origins, the name is not especially common in England today.
Variations of the surname Bumpus
The surname Bumpus is of English origin and originated from the medieval personal name "Bumpus." It spread across various regions and evolved into several variants due to a mix of dialects and phonetic spelling by scribes. Variants and alternate spellings might include Bumpuss, Bumpas, Bumpass, Bumpous, Bumpouse, and Bumphus. Some individuals or families may have altered their surnames slightly over time due to migration, personal preference, or clerical errors. The variant Bumphus, for instance, is particularly prevalent in North America.
Surnames of the same origin may not be identical to the surname Bumpus but have similarly derived from nicknames or personal characteristics. Names such as Lumpkin (from "lump"), Hogg (possibly from "hog"), or Wilkins (meaning "son of little Will") like Bumpus which is believed to describe someone who was particularly hefty (from "bump" or "lump") are examples because they too originated from aspects of an individual's physical appearance or character traits, as per the Old English naming tradition.
It is also important to remember that spellings and variants of a surname can be subject to change over time or due to regional dialects, and the precise origins of names can be complex and multifaceted, involving not just geography and biology but also culture and family tradition.
Famous people with the name Bumpus
- Lorenzo Bumpus: A well-known musician from Delaware, he has toured and performed with renowned artists like Anita Baker, Patti Labelle, Toni Braxton, Teddy Pendergrass, and others.
- Hannah Bumpus: A recognized television reporter in the United States who has worked for KXXV-TV and currently works for KENS 5, a CBS affiliated television station.
- Jeremiah Bumpus: He was a prominent figure in Tennessee, serving as one of the first clerks of court after the county was established.
- Jessica Bumpus: Former Vogue.co.uk features editor who has written about fashion and lifestyle extensively. Though not traditionally famous, some important characters from literature and pop culture bear the name Bumpus. For instance, the Bumpus family are a notorious bunch in the classic movie "A Christmas Story," infamous for their pack of hunting dogs. In terms of traditional fame, the Bumpus name isn't widely renowned on global terms. There aren't many celebrities, historical figures, or public personalities that carry this surname. However, the individuals mentioned have made marks in their respective fields.