What is the origin of the last name Gumier?

The surname Gumier is of French origin and is derived from various places named "Goumiers" in France, particularly in the regions of Orne and Calvados. It is a toponymic surname, which means it was originally given as a name based on the place where the original bearer lived or hailed from. In this case, Goumiers is believed to have derived from the Gallo-Roman word "gomer" meaning gathering or assembly place. The spelling variations of the name over time include Gumer, Gumeaux, and Gumery among others.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gumier

The meaning and origin of the last name Gumier

The surname Gumier is of French origin, specifically from Normandy, a region in northwestern France. It is derived from various place names that contain the element "Goumiers," which means "orchard" or "grove." Over time, these place names were adopted as surnames by residents of those areas. The Gumier surname may have originated from one of these places, such as Le Goumier in Calvados, or it could have been a nickname for someone who lived near an orchard or grove. It is also possible that the name has Occitan roots, with "goma" meaning 'resin' in this language, suggesting a potential origin from a family associated with resin production. As French settlers and immigrants spread to other parts of the world, variations of the Gumier surname emerged, including Goumier, Gamier, and other spellings.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gumier

The surname Gumier is primarily found in France, particularly in the northern regions such as Normandy and Picardy. It originates from these areas where it has been carried by families for generations. Over time, people with the last name Gumier have migrated to other parts of France and to various countries around the world, including Belgium, Canada, and the United States. In North America, a significant number of Gumiers can be found in Quebec, Canada, due to French colonization and subsequent immigration waves. The surname Gumier is less common in English-speaking countries outside of Quebec compared to other French names like Leclair or Duval.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gumier

The surname Gumier can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and transliteration over time and across regions. Some of these variants include Gumer, Gumeir, Gomier, Guimez, Goumier, and Gumières. These variations may arise from factors such as regional dialects, religious influences (e.g., French clergy standardizing names), and personal preferences in name spelling. The original roots of the surname are believed to be from the Old French word "gomme" meaning resin or pitch. Over time, this name likely evolved into its current forms due to factors such as phonetic changes in pronunciation and scribal errors during historical record-keeping.

Famous people with the last name Gumier

Among the notable individuals with the surname Gumier are:

1. Jean-Baptiste Antoine Gumery (1769-1832), a French general who served under Napoleon Bonaparte during the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars, achieving the rank of Marshal of France in 1804.

2. Louis Gumery (1759-1829), a French naval officer and politician who held several important positions in the Navy and served as a member of the Conseil des Cinq-Cents during the French Revolution.

3. Henri Gumery (1864-1924), a French painter who was known for his portraits, landscapes, and genre scenes. His works are part of several museum collections in France, including the Musée d'Orsay.

4. Claude Gumery (born 1953), a French actor and director who has appeared in numerous films and television shows since the 1970s. Some of his notable roles include "The Man Who Loved Women" and "The Return of Martin Guerre."

Genealogical research on the last name Gumier

The surname Gumier originates from France and is found predominantly in Normandy and Brittany regions. Historically, it is believed to have derived from various places named Goumière or Gomery, indicating that early bearers of the name likely lived in these locations. One of the earliest known records of the name dates back to 1250 in Normandy where Robert de Gomerio was mentioned. The name has since spread to other parts of France and beyond due to migration, with notable bearers appearing in Quebec, Canada in the 17th century, and New Orleans, USA in the 18th century. In terms of variations, some common ones include Gomery, Goumery, and Gomery. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Henri Gumier-Vermeil (politician), Philippe Gumy (athlete), and Marcel Gumery (artist).

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

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