Surname Plum - Meaning and Origin
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K. Plum
read morePlum: What does the surname Plum mean?
The last name Plum, which is of English origin, has several possible meanings and origins. Many people believe it is a nickname for someone who had a deep purple complexion or colorful clothing. The name could also be derived from Middle English "plumme," meaning lead or from the Old French name "Pluym," which was a toponymic name to denote someone who came from the place called "le Pluym" in Normandy. The name could also have come from the Old English word "pluma," denoting a feather or quill.
Additionally, there is evidence of the name having been adopted as a surname after the occupation of plum tree pruner. During medieval times, plum tree pruners would often be called "Plummer" or "Plummar," which later turned into Plum. The job was known for being physically demanding and monotonous, likely leading to the name having a negative connotation.
To this day, the name Plum continues to be widely used in English-speaking countries, typically viewed as having a sense of sophistication and style. The name may be also used among those of different heritages to symbolize hope and life's beauty as a plum tree is known to bloom each spring, showing off a stunning array of fragrant and colorful blossoms.
Order DNA origin analysisPlum: Where does the name Plum come from?
The surname Plum is mainly found throughout Europe, particularly in the UK and Ireland, and also in French-speaking countries. In the UK, the Plum surname is most common in the counties of Durham and Yorkshire, with slightly lower concentrations in Staffordshire, Lancashire and Cheshire. In Ireland, the surname is mainly found in counties in the south and east of the country, particularly Dublin and Wexford.
In continental Europe, the Plum surname is most commonly found in France, but also in Switzerland, Belgium, and Luxemburg. The French Plums can be traced back to the Normandy region, whilst Belgian Plums have been traced back to Catholic French-speaking Wallonia. Interestingly, Plums have also been found in Spain, albeit in small numbers, with records of prominent families with the surname dating back to the 15th century.
Plums can also be found in the USA. However, many of these families are descended from Irish, French, German, or English immigrants who arrived in the US in the 19th and 20th centuries, rather than those whose families had been in America for generations prior - which is true for many other British and Irish surnames.
Overall, the Plum surname is common in many countries, but its prevalence is greater in the countries of the British Isles, France, Belgium, Spain, and Luxemburg.
Variations of the surname Plum
The surname Plum is an English surname which originates from a personal name or place name derived from the Medieval English word 'Plum' meaning 'plum tree'. The variants of the surname Plum include Plume, Plumm, Plumme, Plomp and Plumb. It is also possible to find variant spellings such as Plumes, Plummer, Plump and Plunk.
In some instances, the surname Plum has evolved in to different surnames such as Plumptre, Plumtree and Plumer. This usually happens when a particular surname has become well established within a location, and is then adapted to better represent the regional dialect or language where the family has settled.
Some other surnames derived from the same medieval English origin as Plum include Plumbs, Plumage, Plumpkin and Plunkett. In Scotland, the name may also be spelled Plumm or Plome. It is also possible to find the name Plam, which is the Dutch version of Plum, and Plume in French. People with the surname Plum may be found in large numbers in the record books of England, Ireland and Scotland.
In some rare cases, the surname Plum might have been derived from the Old English pre 7th century word "plu'man" which translates to ‘ploughman'.
Famous people with the name Plum
- Logan Plum: Actor, best known for his roles in movies such as “The Catcher Was a Spy” and “Terminator Salvation”
- Damian Plum: Musician from the United Kingdom who has created and produced several pop heard all over the world
- Howard Plum: American NBA coach, best known for his time as head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder
- Vicki Plum: American author and columnist, author of cookbooks such as "It's All Easy: Delicious Weekday Recipes for the Super-Busy Home Cook"
- Sidney Plum: English novelist and playwright, best known for writing the popular young adult fiction novel "The Secret Garden"
- George A. Plum: Canadian journalist and author, best known for his works on Canadian history and politics
- Simon Plum: Former British MP and former Minister of International Development
- Henry S. Plum: American entertainer, best known for his popular Broadway revues
- Ruth Plum: British horror and fantasy author, best known for her horror novel “Marrin’s Chains”
- Ivy Plum: Canadian biologist and conservationist, best known for her work in threatened species conservation and wilderness preservation