Surname Hemmingway - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'H'
Hemmingway: What does the surname Hemmingway mean?
The surname Hemmingway is of Anglo-Saxon origin and derived from the Old English personal name "Hemming", composed of the elements "heim", meaning home and "ing" a suffix indicating 'son of'. The name translates to 'son of Hemming'. This patronymic surname was common in medieval England where it first surfaced. The suffix "way" in the name is derived from an Old Norse word "vágr" that means 'a quay', and could possibly denote someone who lived or worked along a dock or quay. Therefore, Hemmingway may also mean 'the son of Hemming from the quay'. As with many surnames, the spelling has evolved over time and varies widely, ranging from Hemingway and Hemmingway, to Hemmings and Hemins. One of the most famous bearers of this name is American author, Ernest Hemingway.
Order DNA origin analysisHemmingway: Where does the name Hemmingway come from?
The last name Hemmingway is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English personal name Hemming, which means “son of Hemming”. The suffix “way” is derived from Old English “weg” which means way, path, or road, hence Hemmingway - the path or road of Hemming.
The Hemmingway surname is believed to originate from a place name – meaning those bearing it likely once lived or worked on pathways or trails. It's considered a locational surname since Hemingway in West Yorkshire and Hemmingway in East Yorkshire were documented in the Domesday Book (1086). It's thought the name may have been given to individuals who migrated from these locations.
Though Hemmingway is not an overly common surname, its use is widespread due to its English origins. Today, it can be found in many English-speaking countries including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Interestingly, it is most recognized due to the American author, Ernest Hemingway, who left a significant mark on 20th-century literature.
Variations of the surname Hemmingway
The surname Hemmingway might exist in various forms, contributed by its phonetic transcription or its ethnolinguistic origins. Variants and spelling of Hemmingway include Hemingway, Hemmingway, Hemingwaye, Hemingsway, Hemmingsway, Hemeway, Hemewaye, and Hempingway, among others. The surname, rooted in Old English, began as a locational surname for those from 'Hemming's village' or 'Hemming's settlement.' Such villages did exist in England, thereby yielding the surname Hemming. The -way suffix then possibly referred to a roadway or path nearby where Hemming's clan resided. It’s worth noting that different spellings might occur due to regional dialects. Historical documents or records may also contain transcription errors and the illiteracy of early settlers could lead to the wide spell variations.
Surnames that might share an origin or intertwined history could include names derived from the first name 'Hemming'. Old English names, such as Hemming, Heming, and Hemminges might have evolved to surnames like Hemmingsen, Hemingsen, Hemmings, Hemings, Hemin, etc. However, the connection to Hemmingway and its variants requires genealogic investigation beyond phonetic and linguistic similarities. Thus, not all surnames with 'H' and 'ming' elements should be automatically related.
Famous people with the name Hemmingway
- Ernest Hemingway: author of The Sun Also Rises, Old Man and The Sea, For Whom The Bell Tolls and more.
- Special Agents Tracy and Shirley Hemingway: FBI agents who worked together and are considered pioneers for women in investigative law enforcement.
- Pat Hemingway: former professional ice hockey player.
- Jack Hemingway: American writer and first son of Ernest Hemingway.
- Gregory Hemingway: American physician and writer, and second son of Ernest Hemingway.
- Margaux Hemingway: American fashion model, actress, and fifth granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway.
- Mariel Hemingway: American actress, author, and daughter of Margaux Hemingway.
- Langdon Hemingway: American poet and fifth grandson of Ernest Hemingway.
- Renata Adler: American author and journalist, and wife of Michael Hemingway, grandson of Ernest Hemingway.
- Mary Hemingway: American journalist and fourth wife of Ernest Hemingway.
- Michael Hemingway: American lawyer, socialite, and grandson of Ernest Hemingway.
- Joan Hemingway: British aristocrat and former fashion model, and fourth granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway.