Surname Odums - Meaning and Origin

Odums: What does the surname Odums mean?

The last name Odums doesn't have a clear, universally agreed upon meaning as it could have different origins depending on the geographical and historical context. In many cases, surnames can be traced back to an occupation, geographical location, a nickname, or a patronymic (derived from a father's name) of the family's ancestors. Some experts suggest that Odums could be a variant of the surname Odum, which is believed to be a geographical surname deriving from an Old English personal name Oda combined with "-um," an Old English suffix meaning 'at the homestead of.' Oda could mean "wealth" or "fortune." So, the name could potentially mean "at the homestead of Oda." However, genealogical research and DNA testing are often needed to establish a more concrete interpretation of the last name's origins and meaning.

Odums: Where does the name Odums come from?

The last name Odums is most commonly found in the United States today. The United States Census Bureau estimates that in 2020, there were about 3,600 individuals with the last name Odums living in the United States. It is most commonly found in the southeastern portion of the country, with the larger concentrations in the states of Georgia, Mississippi, and Texas.

The surname originates in the United Kingdom where it is found in much fewer numbers today. Variants of the Odums surname, including Odom, Odem, Odon, and Odam, can also be found in Scotland, Ireland, and other British countries. In the United States, the name is primarily concentrated in the south but is also found throughout the Midwest and the West Coast.

The origin of the surname Odums is unknown; however, scholars believe that it may be derived from one of several Middle English words including the Old English word od meaning “rich” and the Old English word ode meaning “spear”. Scholars have also suggested that it may originate from the ancient Norse word odh which is a term referring to strong warriors or brave soldiers.

In recent centuries, Odums surname has seen an increasingly diverse presence in the United States with various lineages coming from all parts of the world. People with the last name Odums can be found living in nearly every state in the U.S., and they often come from a variety of cultural backgrounds.

Variations of the surname Odums

The surname Odums is an Americanized version of two similarly sounding Old English and Welsh surnames - namely "Odem" and "Odams". "Odem" is derived from the Old English pre 7th century personal name "Oda" or "Od", which became the given name of several Old English kings. The spelling version "Odams" originates from Wales and is derived from the old Welsh "Od" – meaning majestic or proud.

Variations and spellings of the Odums surname include Odem, Odum, Odom, Odums, Odam, Odems, Odin, Oduns, Ohdum, Oddum, Ogden, Ogdom, Ogdum, Oden, Odan, Oidam, Oidum, and Oidom.

There are a few surnames of similar derivation and origin, including: Addams, Adame, Adam, Adamo, Adams, Admas, Addim, Adamos, Adamson, Adamsen, Adameson, Addamsen, Addison, Atamian, Atamians, Atman, Atom, Etem, Odam, Odoms, Odomson, Odamson, Adomson, Oatmans, and Oedom.

In some cases, the spelling of the name Odums has been Anglicized to Edmonson, Edmons, Edmunson, Edmanson, Edmenson, and Edminston. It can also be found in other languages as Odam, Odem, Odim, Odtm, Odme, and Otm.

Famous people with the name Odums

• Rihanna Odums: American professional dancer, choreographer, and creative director.
• Carlos Odums: American football safety who played for the Tennessee State Tigers.
• Tavares Odums: American Gambian basketball player who played for the University of Louisville.
• O'Ryan Odums: American professional football player.
• Tip Odums: American college basketball coach.
• Robert Odums: American collegiate and professional basketball coach.
• Richard Odums: American college basketball head coach.
• Levar Odums: American basketball player in the now defunct American Basketball Association.
• Akiva Odums: American professional basketball player who played for the Sioux Falls Skyforce in the NBA G League.
• Preston Odums: American football linebacker who played for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League.

Other surnames

Odum

Comments or additions to the name "Odums"

08.01.2024
My name is Derrick Odums