Surname Humes - Meaning and Origin

Decoding the Past: Discovering my Surname's Origins with iGENEA DNA Test

Taking the iGENEA DNA test, I delved into the history behind my surname, Humes, traced my ancestors' migration patterns, and connected with potential relatives worldwide. This personal review explores my enlightening journey into my past.

N. Humes

Humes: What does the surname Humes mean?

The last name Humes has its origins in Britain and is believed to be derived from the place-name of "Homme" in Normandy. The name could also have been derived from the Old French "hommé" or "homme", which means a man. It may have initially been used as a nickname for a man who was respected or highly regarded in his community. Over time, this nickname was passed down through generations and became a surname. The Humes family lived in prominent regions of Scotland and England and were known to be quite influential in society. Variations of this surname include Holmes, Hulme, and Holme. Notable people with the surname Humes include the Scottish philosopher and historian David Hume. As with other surnames, the exact meaning and origin can vary based on geographical and historical context.

Humes: Where does the name Humes come from?

The surname Humes is of Scottish origin. It derives from the old Scottish name "Home," specifically from the baronial name of Home, a place in the county of Berwickshire. The pronunciation of Home was similar to Hume, gradually transitioning into the surname Humes. The name usually referred to someone who hailed from a district named Home. In the Middle Ages, it was common to identify individuals referring to their birthplaces. The name became popular after the 12th century when Cospatric Home, an Anglo-Danish noble, received lands of Home.

Today, the surname is most common in the United States. It is also found in England, Canada, and Australia, indicating significant Scottish, English, and Irish diaspora presence. The alteration of the spelling from Hume to Humes over time has been attributed to the phonetic linguistic changes and variations between countries. Occasionally, immigrants adapted or modified their last names for smoother integration into a new culture or society.

Variations of the surname Humes

The surname Humes has several variations and spellings that can result from regional dialects, translation of languages, or even transcription errors. The English name Humes is often confused with or replaced by Homes, Hume, Hum, Hums, Humm, and Hummes. The surname Hume is especially prevalent in Scotland, while Humes is most popular in Northern Ireland.

In some countries with non-Latin alphabets, the name can be spelled phonetically leading to variations like Хюм (in Russian) or ヒューム (in Japanese). Also, the name could be Anglicized to fit English pronunciation, leading to anglicized versions like Heum or Hyum.

There may also be double-barreled surnames or compound surnames, such as Humes-Smith, Humes-Jones, or Humes-Taylor, where an ancestral name has been combined with another surname.

Humes may also be a variant of the Jewish surname Haim or Chaim, which is derived from Hebrew and means "life". This name can also have variations like Haime, Haymes, or Haims.

Lastly, the surname Humes, while of primarily Anglo-Saxon origin, might also be related to the Germanic Hummel or the Dutch Huym or Huymes, reflecting a common ancestry and similar linguistic roots.

Famous people with the name Humes

• Tommy Humes: American actor, known for his roles in movies such as The Cutting Edge and Attack of the 50 Ft. Woman.
• Marvin Humes: British musician, former member of the pop group JLS, and now a DJ and radio presenter.
• Gregory Humes: American writer and historian, known for his highly acclaimed work on the history of baseball.
• Elvis Humes: American college basketball coach at Patrick Henry Community College.
• Lisa Humes: English singer-songwriter, formerly of pop-rock group All Saints.
• Lillie Mae Humes: American civil rights and political activist, notable for her role in the 1957 Little Rock school desegregation crisis.
• Don Humes: American jazz composer, arranger, and trombonist, widely recognized for his instrumental work on albums such as Chet Baker's Let's Get Lost.
• Jack Humes: American footballer, playing in the NFL for the Buffalo Bills.
• Alexander Humes: British doctor, by his work he co-founded the British Medical Journal.
• Jason Humes: Australian actor, known for his roles in films such as The Castle and My Life Without Me.

Other surnames

HumeHumelHumele