Last Name Cummings

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Cummings

Turning to ethnic identity, the Decennial U.S. Census data indicates several shifts among those with the surname Cummings between 2000 and 2010. The percentage identifying as Asian/Pacific Islander increased slightly from 0.68 to 0.72, while the percentage identifying with two or more races rose notably from 1.84 to 2.32. Those identifying as White decreased from 75.47 to 72.52 percent. Meanwhile, the percentage identifying as Hispanic showed the most significant growth, up from 1.49 to 2.45. The Black population with this surname saw moderate growth from 18.38 to 19.66 percent, while the American Indian and Alaskan Native group also experienced a small increase from 2.15 to 2.33 percent.

	2000	2010	Change
White	75.47%	72.52%	-3.91%
Black	18.38%	19.66%	6.96%
Hispanic	1.49%	2.45%	64.43%
American Indian and Alaskan Native	2.15%	2.33%	8.37%
Two or More Races	1.84%	2.32%	26.09%
Asian/Pacific Islander	0.68%	0.72%	5.88%

Cummings ancestry composition

NomOrigine computes an ancestry breakdown for each customer. People may have ancestry from just one population or they may have ancestry from several populations. The most commonly-observed ancestry found in people with the surname Cummings is British & Irish, which comprises 52.5% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are French & German (21.5%) and Eastern European (4.7%). Additional ancestries include Scandinavian, Italian, Nigerian, Spanish & Portuguese, and Ghanaian, Liberian & Sierra Leonean.

Ready to learn more about your ancestry? Get the most comprehensive ancestry breakdown on the market by taking our DNA test.

ANCESTRY BREAKDOWN	COMPOSITION
British & Irish	52.5%
French & German	21.5%
Eastern European	4.7%
Other	21.3%

Your maternal lineage may be linked to Marie Antoinette

Because it is so dominant in the general European population, haplogroup H also appears quite frequently in the continent's royal houses. Marie Antoinette, an Austrian Hapsburg who married into the French royal family, inherited the haplogroup from her maternal ancestors. So did Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, whose recorded genealogy traces his female line to Bavaria. Scientists also discovered that famed 16th century astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus traced his maternal lineages to haplogroup H.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cummings

The meaning and origin of the last name Cummings

The surname Cummings is of Scottish and Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name MacCuthaig, meaning "son of Cuthach," which itself comes from the Scottish Gaelic word "Cudha," indicating a warrior or fierce one. The name was first recorded in the highlands of Scotland, where the Cummings were originally part of the ancient Clan Buchanan. Over time, some members of the Cummings family migrated to Ireland, particularly County Clare, where the name became anglicized to "Cummings." The surname Cummings has several variations, including Cumiskey, MacCumascaigh, and MacComiskey. The spelling of the name may have changed as families moved and different accents and dialects influenced the pronunciation. Today, individuals with the surname Cummings can be found throughout the English-speaking world due to migration and the diaspora of Scottish and Irish families. The name Cummings, with its origins in strength and bravery, continues to be a proud ancestral name for many.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cummings

The surname Cummings has a widespread geographical distribution, primarily found in countries with a historical connection to the British Isles. In the United States, the name is prevalent, particularly in states with significant Irish and Scottish ancestry, such as Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Additionally, it is also found in smaller concentrations in other states across the country. In Ireland, Cummings is relatively common, especially in Ulster and County Leitrim. The name can also be traced back to Scotland, particularly in regions such as Glasgow and Ayrshire. In Canada, Cummings is a notable surname, with concentrations seen in provinces like Ontario, Nova Scotia, and British Columbia. Moreover, the name is also present in Australia, particularly in regions settled by British immigrants, such as Victoria and New South Wales. Overall, the geographical distribution of the surname Cummings reflects the diaspora of individuals from the British Isles to numerous parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cummings

The last name 'Cummings' can have various variations and spellings. One common variation of this surname is 'Cumming'. This variation removes the 's' at the end and may have originated from a different family branch. Another variation is 'Comings', which substitutes the 'u' with an 'o'. This variation might have emerged due to regional accents or phonetic spelling differences. Other possible spellings include 'Kummings' or 'Commins', whereby the 'c' is replaced with 'k' or 'co'. Additionally, 'Kumin' or 'Comyn' are less common but can occasionally be associated with the Cummings surname. The use of alternative spellings could have resulted from immigration or name changes throughout history. It is important to note that variations and spellings may differ based on geographical location, ancestry, or personal preferences. Despite these variations, all variations ultimately represent the same family name.

Famous people with the last name Cummings

E.E. Cummings, born as Edward Estlin Cummings, was an American poet, painter, and playwright. Known for his unique style of experimental poetry, E.E. Cummings is often regarded as one of the most influential and innovative poets of the 20th century. His unconventional use of language, punctuation, and typography challenged the traditional norms of poetry. Cummings' works explored themes of love, nature, and individualism, and he is particularly renowned for his collection "Tulips and Chimneys" and the poem "i carry your heart with me." His vast contribution to literature earned him multiple awards and critical acclaim. While there are a few notable individuals with the last name Cummings, E.E. Cummings stands out among them as the most famous and influential figure, leaving an indelible impact on the world of poetry.

Genealogical research on the last name Cummings

The last name Cummings is of Scottish origin and can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Gaelic name MacCuimín, meaning "son of Cumine." The first documented occurrence of this surname dates back to the 13th century, with individuals named Thomas and David Cummings recorded in the Scottish records. The Cummings family is associated with various regions in Scotland, including Ayrshire, Lanarkshire, and Dumfriesshire. Over time, different branches of the Cummings family migrated and settled in other parts of the world, including Ireland, England, Canada, and the United States. Many prominent individuals with the last name Cummings have made noteworthy contributions to their respective fields, such as literary figures, scientists, politicians, and athletes. The genealogical research of the Cummings family offers a rich history and diverse lineage, providing a fascinating insight into their ancestral origins and societal impact throughout generations.