Surname Cumming - Meaning and Origin
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Cumming: What does the surname Cumming mean?
The last name Cumming is of Scottish origin and is particularly associated with the northeastern region of Scotland. It is derived from the place name Comyn, which is situated in Normandy, France. The name was likely taken by those who lived in or hailed from this region.
The Cumming family is among the oldest in Scotland and has played a significant role in the country’s history. The first known user of the name was Richard Cumyn, who traveled from Normandy to England with William the Conqueror in 1066. Later, William Comyn married the granddaughter of the Scottish king, David I, thus establishing the Cumming family in Scotland.
The name Comyn was originally spelled as "de Comines," indicative of its place of origin. Over time, the spelling transformed through variations such as "Comyn" and "Common" before becoming "Cumming". The name can also be found with an additional 's', i.e., Cummings, which signifies 'son of Cumming'.
In essence, the surname Cumming signifies a geographical connection, first to Comyn in Normandy and subsequently to Scotland, where the family became influential.
Order DNA origin analysisCumming: Where does the name Cumming come from?
The surname Cumming has origins in medieval Scotland, deriving from the given name "Comyn" or "Cumyn". The name was widely used by Norman-descended Scottish nobility, with notable mentions such as Richard Comyn, the uncle of John who was at one time the most powerful man in Scotland. However, it faded after the execution of John Comyn in the early 14th century.
The variants of this last name include Comyn, Common, Commons, Comins, and Cummings. The spelling 'Cumming' is most commonly found in Scotland, specifically Aberdeenshire, one of Scotland's historic counties. The Cumming family has long-lasting roots in this region, with one of their important ancestors, Ferquhard, the first Earl of Ross, on record in the 13th century.
In terms of contemporary distribution, the last name Cumming is still most commonly found in Scotland, especially in places like Aberdeenshire and Moray. Yet, due to historical emigrations, it is also seen amongst populations in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. However, in these countries, 'Cummings' is a more common variant. Population data suggests the United States hosts the largest number of people with this surname outside of Scotland.
Variations of the surname Cumming
The surname Cumming is of Scottish origin. It has multiple variants and spellings that have been used throughout history, often due to translation, regional dialects, and spelling changes over the years. Some of the variants of the surname Cumming include Cummings, Comyn, Common, Commons, Comines, Comine, Comin, Comins, and Comming.
The surname originated from the powerful Norman family of de Comyn, who arrived in Scotland during the reign of King David I in the 12th century. The family held the titles of the Earl of Buchan and the Earl of Monteith, which further diversifies the variations of the surname.
Different branches of the family may also have incorporated geographical or occupational information into their names, leading to further variations. For instance, "Comyn" can also be spelled "de Comines," referring to a town in France.
Also, due to phonetic similarities, the names Cummins and Cuming might be associated and sometimes used interchangeably with the surname Cumming.
Please note that surnames can often be challenging to definitively trace due to the factors mentioned, such as regional variations, translation issues, and spelling changes over time.
Famous people with the name Cumming
- Alan Cumming: An award-winning Scottish-American actor, best known for his on-stage performance in “Cabaret” and screen roles in “X-Men” and “The Good Wife.”
- Norma Cumming: An Australian actress who has been a part of the film industry since 1971.
- Robert Cumming: An American artist known for his conceptual photography and paintings.
- Laura Cumming: A British art critic and author. She is the art critic for The Observer and has published several books, including "A Face to the World."
- Bert Cumming: A Canadian ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) during the 1920s.
- John Cumming: 19th-century Scottish clergyman and prolific author.
- Hera Lindsay Bird: A New Zealand poet whose full name is Hera Lindsay Bird Cumming.
- Jocky Scott (John Cumming Scott): A former Scottish football player and manager.
- Janice Cumming: A professional golfer from Australia.
- Les Cumming: A footballer who played as a full back in the Football League for Brighton & Hove Albion during the 1950s.