Surname Hemings - Meaning and Origin

Hemings: What does the surname Hemings mean?

The surname Hemings does not have a widely accepted or defined meaning. It is believed to be of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from a now lost place name around which a hamlet or village might have been established. Typically, surnames from old English place names often ended in "-ing" denoting 'people of' or '-ings' meaning 'place of.' The 'Hem' part could be a variant of 'ham,' a common element in English place names usually signifying a village, homestead, or enclosure. Therefore, Hemings might denote 'people of a particular village or homestead.'

This name was brought into the spotlight by Sally Hemings, an enslaved woman owned by US President Thomas Jefferson, who is believed to have fathered her children. Her descendants have carried the Hemings name down through the generations.

Hemings: Where does the name Hemings come from?

The surname Hemings is of English origin, deriving from the Old English personal name "Hemming", which means "son of Hemme". It is believed to be a patronymic surname, passed down from the father's first name. During the periods of Anglo-Saxon rule in England around the 5th to the 7th centuries, the country was divided into numerous small kingdoms, with each one having a ruler named "Hemming". As such, the surname Hemings likely evolved to refer to the descendants of these rulers.

Despite its English origin, the Hemings surname is most recognized in the United States. It gained notable recognition due to Sally Hemings, an enslaved woman owned by President Thomas Jefferson, who had children with him. Scholars widely accept today, following DNA research, that Jefferson was the father of her six children. Because of this historical connection, the surname Hemings, though not exceptionally common, is most recognized in the U.S.

Variations of the surname Hemings

The surname Hemings predominantly traces its origin to England. There are few known significant variant forms or alternate spellings for Hemings. Some alternate spelling that could potentially be tied to Hemings include Hemmings and Hemming.

The name may have originated from the personal name Hemming, which is of Old Norse origin. It is composed of elements meaning "high protection" or "strength". Over time, the name may have morphed into Hemings, denoting a familial connection, often read as "son of Hemming".

Given the natural evolution and phonetic interpretation of language over time and across regions, especially in relation to surnames, it is possible that surnames like Hemmingson, Hemingsen or Hemmingsen could be of the same origin.

However, it is important to note that surname variants can depend largely on regional dialect, literacy rates amongst naming authorities in history, and personal or family preference. Hence, directly connecting surname variants to a singular root name can sometimes be challenging and not necessarily comprehensive. As always, genealogical and historical research can provide the most accurate picture for a specific family's surname evolution.

Famous people with the name Hemings

• Sally Hemings: an enslaved African American woman owned by Thomas Jefferson. She is known for her long-term, monogamous relationship with him, which resulted in the birth of six of his children.
• Eston Hemings Jefferson: the youngest son of Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson. He was the first of the Hemings-Jefferson children to be freed after Jefferson's death, and went on to become one of the first African-American pianists and teachers in the United States.
• Madison Hemings: the son of Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson, and Madison was the second of their children to be freed in 1826. He was a successful carpenter, entrepreneur and politician.
• Beverley Hemings: the eldest son of Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson. He was a successful nail making craftsman and went on to become an entrepreneur and landowner.
• Harriet Hemings: the third Hemings-Jefferson child to be freed, and the daughter of Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson. She eventually gained her freedom and moved to Ohio, where she worked as a seamstress.
• William Beverley Hemings: the fourth Hemings-Jefferson child. He was also freed and went on to become a successful businessman and landowner, with many of his purchases later becoming part of the family's Jefferson legacy.
• John Wayles Hemings: the fifth Hemings-Jefferson child. He was also freed and would go on to become a successful bricklayer.
• Thomas Woodson Hemings: the sixth Hemings-Jefferson child. He was the last to gain freedom and became a successful businessman, banker, and landowner.
• Peter Hemings: a freed slave who moved to Virginia from Maryland and was a successful tailor by the time of Thomas Jefferson's death.
• Henry Hemings: a freed slave and the brother of Peter Hemings, he was known for being a successful traveling musician.

Other surnames

HemingHemingbroughHemingsleyHemingtonHemingwaiHemingwayHemingwayeHeminway