Surname Hamming - Meaning and Origin

Hamming: What does the surname Hamming mean?

The last name Hamming is derived from an Old English word meaning “crooked” or “uneven.” The name may have originated with a person who had a physical deformity of some kind. In the U.K., the name is most commonly found in the Yorkshire region, with other occurrences scattered throughout England and Wales. It’s also possible that the name has Dutch or German roots, as the surnames Ham and Hum have a similar meaning.

The Hamming surname has been in use in England since at least the 11th century, and today, the name is found around the world. Famous bearers of the name include the computer scientist Richard Hamming, who popularized the term Hamming code. The Grammy-nominated British musician Nicky Hamming is another well-known example.

The Hamming name has a long and interesting history. Its unique origin makes it an interesting choice for someone looking to have some insight into their ancestors’ lives. While the name may have originally referred to physical attributes, it has since embraced a wide range of backgrounds and occupations, making it an all-encompassing moniker.

Hamming: Where does the name Hamming come from?

The last name Hamming is most commonly found in countries like the United States and the Netherlands, where many Dutch-Americans can trace their family history to 18th-century Dutch settlers. The Netherlands is generally regarded as home to the origin of the name Hamming.

In the United States, the last name Hamming is mainly concentrated in the Midwest region, as well as in the state of Texas. Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Missouri and Nebraska are the states with the highest population of the Hamming family. The states of Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Illinois also have a significant number of Hamming families.

In the Netherlands, the last name Hamming is mainly found in the northern provinces like Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe. Furthermore, the Netherlands cities of Groningen, Friesland, and Breda are other popular areas to find Hamming families.

The United Kingdom also has a significant population of the last name Hamming, mostly concentrated in the East Midlands region of England and the Low Countries region of the Netherlands.

Though widely dispersed, the Hamming family is still connected by their shared family roots and can trace their history back to one of the earliest English or Dutch settlers of the same name.

Variations of the surname Hamming

The surname Hamming has many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. Some of these include Hammond, Femming, Haeming, Haemming, Heiming, Heming, Hemming, Homeing, Homming, and Humming.

Hammond is the most common alternative spelling of Hamming and is the likely root of the surname. This spelling was first recorded in 1242 in the Pipe Rolls of Dorset. It is believed to be derived from the Anglo-Saxon personal name, Hemma, or the Germanic name, Haimo. The name is believed to mean "Home protector" or "homestead protector."

Haeming, Heiming, Heming, and Homming are other variants of Hamming which are mainly found in Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. Haemming, Hemming, Homeing, and Humming are mostly found in the UK and are derived from a locational name, meaning someone from the "hemmed homestead."

Overall, the surname Hamming has numerous variants which can trace their origins back to the Anglo-Saxon and Germanic names of Hemma and Haimo. These variants include Hammond, Haeming, Heiming, Heming, Hemming, Homeing, Homming, and Humming. All of them convey the connotation of a "home protector" and are found in various locations throughout the UK, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway.

Famous people with the name Hamming

• Richard Hamming: American mathematician and computer scientist who became widely known for a number of his achievements in science and computing, most notably the discovery of the Hamming code, an error-correcting code which is used in most computer and telecommunications systems.
• Jan-Willem Hamming: Dutch Jazz pianist and composer from Amsterdam.
• Frans Hamming: Dutch former professional footballer and sports manager.
• William R. Hamming: American physician and pioneering electrophysiologist who made important contributions to the development of the cardiac pacemaker.
• John Hamming: Canadian artist and antique expert from Ontario.
• Matt Hamming: American music artist and craftsman from California known for popular metal and woodworking projects. 7.Kristin Hamming: Norwegian snowboarder, Olympic silver medalist, and world champion.
• Garry Hamming: Australian artist who works with a variety of mediums such as painting, etching, and sculpture.
• Erwin Hamming: Dutch mathematician, philosopher, and historian who worked and wrote extensively on the topics of mathematical logic and philosophy of mathematics.
• Laura Hamming: Dutch long-distance swimmer, race sailor, and current world record holder for the fastest full female circumnavigation of the world aboard a Nuova Jeddita sailing boat.

Other surnames

HammigHamminga