Surname Cumings - Meaning and Origin
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Cumings: What does the surname Cumings mean?
Cumings is a surname with a British origin. The name is a derived form of Cumming, which in turn is a patronymic version of the personal name Comyn or Common, coming from the Celtic word "com," suggesting 'bent' or 'crooked'. It was used as a nickname for a crafty or shrewd person. The Comyns were once one of the strongest families in Scotland during the 13th century. This name saw various spelling changes over time and Cumings is one of its derivatives. It is predominantly seen in Scotland and other English-speaking countries. The family motto "Courage" is often associated with the Cumings surname. Each variation of the surname has a rich history with insights into the family's geographical distribution, profession, class, and more over centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisCumings: Where does the name Cumings come from?
The surname Cumings is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Gaelic word "Cuimeanach" which signifies "desiring, striving after." The name was often anglicized to Cummings or Cumming, and sometimes to Homer. It is associated with the Clan Cumming, a powerful clan from the central part of the Scottish Highlands, which played a significant role during the wars for Scottish independence in the 13th and 14th centuries.
Post the 17th century, many members of the clan, like other Scots, emigrated to various parts of the world including North America, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa due to political unrest, economic hardships, and hopes for a better life.
Today, the last name Cumings can be found in numerous countries across the globe but is most common in the United States, followed by England and Canada. In the US, the highest concentration of people with the Cumings surname are found in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. Despite its widespread use, Cumings is considered a relatively uncommon surname.
Variations of the surname Cumings
The surname Cumings is of Scottish origin, primarily derived from the Pictish tribe of ancient Scotland. It has several variants and spellings including Cummings, Cummins, Cuming, Comings, Comins, Comines, and Cummine. Other versions may also include Coomings, Coomins, and Comminges.
The variations in spelling of this name could have occurred due to several factors. For instances, when many Scottish names were translated into English, spelling changes were a common result. Furthermore, in the Middle Ages, the practice of spelling was not standardized hence different scribes may have written the same name differently.
The first record of the surname Cumings refers to William Comyn (Cumming), the chancellor of Scotland in 1133. Over the years, the name took on various forms as it was passed down through generations. Surnames were often based on where a family lived, their occupation, or even a nickname, and thus varied greatly.
The Cumings family is known to have had significant influence in Scotland's history, notably they were granted the territories of Buchan and Aberdeen by King David I of Scotland.
Famous people with the name Cumings
- Bruce Cumings: An American historian of East Asia, specializing in modern Korean history and contemporary international relations. He is a professor at The University of Chicago and well-respected in his field.
- Samuel Cumings: An 18th-century English-born American engineer who adapted the steam engine for river navigation.
- Leola N. King (née Cumings): Known as America's first female traffic cop, she was also involved in notable political and feminist activities in Washington D.C.
- Phyllis Cumings: An American film actress who was active in Hollywood in the 1930s and 1940s.
- John Cumings: Former chairman and CEO of McCormick and Company. He worked there for 41 years and was recognized for significantly improving the company's business practices.
- Judith Cumings: A renowned British artist recognized for her contributions to contemporary art, particularly in the field of printmaking.