Last Name Gump

The last name "Gump" likely has German origins. It is derived from the old Germanic personal name "Gundobad," which is composed of the elements "gund" meaning "battle" and "bald" meaning "bold." Over time, the variation "Gumbert" or "Gumbertus" emerged and eventually transformed into "Gump."

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gump

The meaning and origin of the last name Gump

The surname Gump is of English origin and derives from the Old English word "guma" meaning "man" or "bridegroom." As a surname, Gump was originally given as a nickname to someone who was considered brave, strong, or virile. Alternatively, it may have been used to identify someone who worked as a groom or servant. The name has various spellings including Gump, Gum, and Gumpes. The first recorded instance of the surname Gump dates back to 1273 in the "Hundred Rolls" of Suffolk, England. Over time, the name Gump has spread to different regions, including the United States, where it can be found today. Notably, the name gained popularity in modern times with the release of the novel "Forrest Gump" by Winston Groom and its subsequent film adaptation in 1994, although the surname of the fictional character was merely coincidental.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gump

The last name Gump is primarily found in the United States, with a concentration in the southern states. The highest density of individuals with the surname can be found in states such as Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. This suggests that the origin of the name may be tied to the early settlers of these regions. Additionally, there is a notable presence of the Gump surname in Pennsylvania and Ohio, suggesting a migration pattern from the southern states to the industrialized regions in the north during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Outside of the United States, the name Gump is relatively rare, although there are scattered individuals with the surname in countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Gump indicates a strong connection to the southern United States while also showing some dispersion to other parts of the country and a limited presence in other English-speaking nations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gump

The last name Gump can have a few variations and spellings depending on regional accents, historical changes, and individual preferences. Some common variations include Gomp, Gumb, Gumpp, and Gumpf. These variations might reflect different pronunciations or spelling conventions across different geographical regions. For instance, the pronunciation of the "u" sound in Gump may vary, resulting in alternate spellings like Gomp or Gumb. Additionally, historical changes or cultural influences could have led to the development of different variants. Some individuals may have adopted alternative spellings to differentiate themselves from others with the same surname, or merely due to personal preference. It is important to recognize that the variations of the last name Gump are numerous, as names evolve over time and can be influenced by a multitude of factors, including migration patterns and linguistic changes.

Famous people with the last name Gump

Unfortunately, there are no famous individuals with the last name "Gump" that immediately come to mind. While several fictional characters have brought prominence to the name, such as Forrest Gump from the novel and subsequent movie, "Forrest Gump," created by Winston Groom, there are no widely recognized real-life celebrities with this last name. It is important to note that the world is vast and ever-changing, and there may be individuals with the surname Gump who have achieved fame in specific fields, but they might not have garnered significant public recognition. However, it is always possible that future generations may produce notable personalities with this last name, continuing the legacy of the fictional Forrest Gump's inspirational story.

Genealogical research on the last name Gump

The surname Gump is of English origin, derived from the Old English word "guma," meaning man or fellow. Historical records indicate that the Gump family can be traced back to the county of Yorkshire in Northern England. The first known record of the name dates back to the 14th century, during the reign of King Edward II. Over time, branches of the Gump family migrated to other regions of England, including London, Lancashire, and West Midlands. Throughout the centuries, the Gump name had variations in spelling, such as Gomp, Gumph, or Gamp. In the United States, the Gump family can be traced back to German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania in the mid-18th century. Notably, the name gained popular culture recognition with the release of the famous film "Forrest Gump" in 1994, which follows the fictional story of Forrest Gump's life.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Gump"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends