Surname Thummes - Meaning and Origin
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Thummes: What does the surname Thummes mean?
The surname Thummes is a Germanic toponymic name derived from the Middle High German word "thummel" which translates to a hill with a clearing in the forest. It is believed to have first originated in the region of Godsthal, now located in the modern-day state of Hesse in Germany.
From there the name spread throughout the European continent, taking on different spellings and variations depending on the language and culture of the locations the Thummes surname passed through. Variations of the name include Thumm, Thummel, Thum, Thümmel, Thümmel, Thüm, Tummel and Tummels.
In German-speaking regions the surname Thummes was likely adopted by individuals who lived on or near these distinctive hills in the forests, while in other countries it may have been seen as a more general representation of someone coming from Germany.
In the United States, the earliest known record of the Thummes surname is from 1744, when Werner Thummes arrived in Pennsylvania. It is believed that he was one of the progenitors of the several branches of the Thummes family tree which exist throughout the US.
Today, many descendants of the Thummes family are scattered around the world still carrying the unique surname. It is a reminder of the powerful impact this one Germanic toponymic name has had over the centuries, bringing families together and allowing its prevalence to continue existing beyond the forest hills of Godsthal.
Order DNA origin analysisThummes: Where does the name Thummes come from?
The last name Thummes is most commonly found in Germany and Switzerland today. It is believed to have originated in Bavaria, Germany, as it is a version of the German word “Thumm” meaning strong, powerful. Records in the Bavarian region of Germany date back to the 15th century, when the Thummes family was known for having a strong presence in the area.
More recently, Thummes is found mostly in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, an area comprised of the states of German, French, and Romansh. The canton of Zurich appears to be the top area where the surname Thummes is found in modern-day Switzerland. This is likely due to the fact that Zurich is one of the most populous cantons in the German-speaking region of the country.
In addition, there are a small number of individuals today who have the Thummes surname in other parts of the world, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This is due to the fact that many German immigrants who left during the 19th and 20th centuries chose to settle in these countries.
Overall, the surname Thummes remains quite common in Germany and Switzerland, and is found in smaller numbers in other parts of the world.
Variations of the surname Thummes
The surname Thummes is derived from the German word "Thumme" which means "hand or paw." The variants and spellings of this surname, including its variants in other languages, are as follows:
Thumm (German)
Thum (French)
Thuemer (German)
Thummes (Czech)
Thummel (German)
Thuemmel (German)
Tumms (German)
Tumm (German)
Tumme (German)
Tümmel (German)
Tümmler (German)
Tümmeler (German)
Surnames also derived from the same origin include Thueme, Thuemes, Thuemle, Thuemele, Thuemen, Thuetmeier, Donathumme, and Pichlthumme.
The different variations of the last name are all derived from the same root word, but depending on the origin and language used, the spelling of the name would change. The most common version of the surname is Thummes, with other variations primarily seen in Denmark, Bavaria, and western Austria.
One notable family with the surname Thummes is from Dresden, Germany. The family’s ancestor, Sgt. Johann Philipp Thummes, was born in 1826 and was stationed in Dresden in 1885. The Thummes family also have strong ties to the U.S., with some members migrating to and settling in Pennsylvania and Maryland in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Famous people with the name Thummes
- Eric Thummes: rapper, producer, and entrepreneur from Baltimore, Maryland.
- Alvaro Thumminelli: Italian singer and songwriter.
- Anne Thumm: German ballerina and choreographer at the Stuttgart Ballet.
- John Thummes: three-time Pro Bowler and NFL player.
- Rudi Thummes: Austrian actor, musician, and theater director.
- Kevin Thummes: professional tennis player from Germany.
- Alfred Thummes: American silversmith and industrialist.
- Donald Thummes: American actor and choreographer, known for his roles in the TV series, Batman and Pushing Daisies.
- Gretchen Thummes: German architect and lecturer on sustainable architecture.
- Rolf Thummes: German painter and sculptor.