Origin & Meaning of the Sumner Surname
What does the last name Sumner mean?
The surname Sumner carries the meaning "One who does." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 18,838 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Sumner ranks as the #1,909 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Sumner come from?
The Sumner surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Sumner name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Sumner trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Sumner |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,909 |
| US Count (2010) | 18,838 |
| Per 100K People | 6.39 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Sumner
According to the US Census, the Sumner surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 18,838 Americans with the Sumner last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 87.8% |
| Black | 6.51% |
| Hispanic | 2.21% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.66% |
| Native American | 0.99% |
| Two or More Races | 1.83% |
Popularity of Sumner Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Sumner surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Sumner surname increased by 1,001 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sumner
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