Surname Somers - Meaning and Origin

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C. Somers

Somers: What does the surname Somers mean?

The last name "Somers" is of English origin and is derived from the Old French personal name "Somier" or "Som(m)er," meaning "sumpter". The term "sumpter" was used in the Middle Ages to refer to a person who was responsible for driving pack animals, particularly horses or mules, that were usually loaded with luggage. Therefore, the last name "Somers" may have originated as an occupational surname for individuals who were packhorse drivers. Variations of the surname include Sommers, Summers, and Sommer. It is interesting to note that surnames were often derived from a person’s occupation or from the location where they lived during the medieval period. This practice allowed for easier identification of individuals within a community.

Somers: Where does the name Somers come from?

The last name Somers is common in England, the United States, Australia, and elsewhere. In the United Kingdom, Somers is the 7,021st most common surname, with about 5,500 people sharing the name. There are roughly 8,000 people in the U.S. with this surname, making it the 4,722nd most common. Somers has a much stronger presence in Australia, where it ranks 368th most popular with more than 8,700 people sharing the name.

The last name is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from the name Somers, which was used as a nickname for someone who was born or baptized on midsummer day. The name is also a variant of the surname Summers. It is also a variation of the surname Sommers.

The last name Somers has various spellings including Sommers, Somers, and Sommer. Most of the early records for the surname Somers can be found in the area of Herefordshire, an area located in the western part of England near Wales. This area is known for its rolling hills, apple orchards, and sheep farms.

There are many prominent people in the world today who share this last name. Among them are British actor John Somers, English footballer Tim Sommer, and Australian actor John Somers.

Overall, the last name Somers is quite common today and used in England, the U.S., Australia, and elsewhere. It is believed to have originated in Herefordshire, an area known for its idyllic landscape. The name is also a variation of other surnames, including Sommers and Summers. Many famous and prominent individuals also share this last name.

Variations of the surname Somers

Somers is a surname that has been shared by many people from many countries and backgrounds. The most common surnames and spelling variants are Somer, Summers, Sommers, Sommerset, Sommersett, Sommersette, Sommersault, Sumer, Sumers, Somersett, Somersette, Somersault, and Sumoers.

Of these, Summers and Somer are the most common spelling variations of the last name Somers. These two variants are very closely related and share the same origin. Summers likely derives from the Old English term “sumor” meaning summer. The suffix -s, which was added to surnames in the 13th century, may also be responsible for this spelling variation. Somer may be derived from the Old Norse word “sumar” meaning summer.

Summers is particularly common among British families who are descended from Norman ancestors who acquired the last name after settling in Britain after 1066. This surname was also popular among German settlers in Pennsylvania since the 18th century.

Somerville is another version of Somers. This originates with a place name in England derived from Old English words meaning summer and stream. Other Somers-derived surnames include Somervill, Somersal, Somerwell, and so on.

Lastly, Sumoers is an uncommon variant of Somers from the Basque region in Spain. It’s derived from the Basque phrase “Sumoer” which means “dweller of summer.” This name has been in the region since at least the early 19th century.

Overall, the surname Somers has many worldwide variants and spellings that are still in use today. Each spelling variation has a unique history of its own, and these histories can help trace a person’s family roots.

Famous people with the name Somers

• Suzanne Somers: American actress, author, singer, businesswoman, and health spokesperson.
• Mark Somers: American musician, songwriter, and composer.
• Peter Somers: Canadian soldier and businessman.
• Bruce Somers Jr.: American composer, performer, and teacher.
• Martha Somers: American politician and former member of the New Mexico House of Representatives.
• John Somers: English lawyer and politician.
• Jack Somers: Irish hurler and businessman.
• David Somers: Scottish businessman, executive, and politician.
• Charles Somers: American businessman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.
• Phil Somers: American actor and writer.

Other surnames

SomerSomerset