Surname Dumm - Meaning and Origin
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Dumm: What does the surname Dumm mean?
The surname Dumm is of German origin and is derived from the word ‘dumme’ which means ‘dumb’ or ‘stupid’ in German. It is likely that the earliest bearers of the name were perceived by their peers to be less intelligent than others and thus were given the nickname ‘Dumm’, which eventually became a surname.
The surname Dumm can be found in various countries around the world, including Germany, the United States, and as far away as Chile. In Germany today, the surname is still popular and the meaning behind it has changed over the centuries, though it is still often seen as an insult.
Today, the surname Dumm is still sometimes used as an insult, but it also has a more positive connotation in Germany. For example, it is sometimes used to describe someone who is kind, loyal, and willing to help out or serve others. It can also be used to refer to someone who is slow-witted or unusually naive.
Despite its somewhat negative history, the surname Dumm is still a common one in many parts of the world and it carries with it a unique set of associations. For some, it is a reminder of not only their German heritage but also of the importance of working hard and perseverence despite society’s labels. For others, it is simply a last name that conjures up a range of emotions and memories.
Order DNA origin analysisDumm: Where does the name Dumm come from?
The last name Dumm is most commonly found in Germany. It is thought to have derived from the Middle High German word 'dumme' which means 'stupid' or 'foolish'. Given its origin it is likely that it was once used as an occupational name for someone who was employed to act foolishly.
In modern times the surname Dumm is found largely throughout Germany, but also has a presence in Austria, Switzerland and the United States. In the United States, Dumm is commonly found in Pennsylvania, particularly in the Lehigh Valley, and surrounding regions including Springfield Township. Elsewhere in the country the name is seen in a few states, including California and Texas, but is far less prominent than in Germany.
At present, the last name Dumm is estimated to be held by approximately 817 people in the United States, making it the 5,186th most common surname in the US. Worldwide, there are an estimated 13,800 bearers of the name Dumm.
Variations of the surname Dumm
The surname Dumm has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin.
The original German spelling of the surname Dumm is Dümm, which is pronounced like “doom”. This spelling can also have the variants Dümme, Dummel and Dümling.
Some common variants of Dumm in the United States are Dumb and Dummel.
In the Netherlands, the Dutch variants of the name include Dum and Dummelen, which is also the Dutch spelling of Dummel.
In France, where the surname originated, the name is usually spelled Dumont, DuMont, or Dumaine.
In Austria, the Dumm surname is often found spelled as Duma or Dummel.
In Slovakia, the spelling of the surname is often Dum or Duma.
The Polish spelling of Dumm is generally Dumny.
The surname of Dummit is also related to the surname of Dumm and is believed to be an Anglicized version.
Overall, the surname Dumm has several spellings and variants, making it difficult to trace family connections through the various branches of the surname. It is important to remember when researching families with the surname Dumm to try each spelling of the name to determine any connections.
Famous people with the name Dumm
- John Dumm: An American actor best known for roles such as Coach Jim Tubbs in the television series The Shield.
- Bill Dumm: An American bureaucrat and political appointee who, from 1993 to 2001, held the position of Commissioner of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Edward Dumm: An American professor and author known for writing books on America's foreign policy, particularly in Latin America.
- Robert Dumm: An American composer, conductor, and educator, best known for composing the music to seven musicals, both on Broadway and Off-Broadway.
- Lia Dumm: An American artist whose work has been featured in the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles.
- Elizabeth Dumm: An American artist and sculptor whose work has been featured in the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
- Timothy Dumm: An American writer and social critic, best known for his books on ethics and morality, including The Tyranny of Virtue.
- William Dumm: An American soldier during World War II, receiving the Medal of Honor for conspicuous Gallantry and Intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty.
- Christopher Dumm: An American film director and screenwriter. He is best known for films such as The Substitute and 25th Hour.
- Alex Dumm: An American singer-songwriter who is best known for his albums Polaris and Everyone's Entitled to Be Very Lonely.