Last Name Hulm

The surname Hulm is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from a geographical or topographic name for someone who lived on or near a hill with a hollow at its summit. The Old English word "hohl" meant "hollow," and was later replaced by the Middle English word "holm." Thus, Hulm could be an occupational name for a person who worked on such a hill, or a locative surname denoting residence near such a place. However, it is important to note that the exact origin of any surname can be complex and multifaceted, as many factors can influence its evolution over time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Hulm

The meaning and origin of the last name Hulm

The surname Hulm is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English word "hylm," which means "hill" or "mound." It is a topographic name that was given to someone who lived on a hill or near a mound. The name may also have been an occupational name for a worker who built or maintained mounds, such as a mason or a laborer in a quarry. The earliest recorded instances of the surname Hulm can be traced back to medieval England. It was noted in various spellings including Hylm, Hyll, and Hilm during the 13th and 14th centuries in records such as the Pipe Rolls of Norfolk (1207) and the Feet of Fines for Suffolk (1228). Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved to its present form. The Hulm surname is relatively uncommon compared to other English names, but it can be found scattered throughout England and its former colonies, such as America and Australia. Notable individuals with the surname Hulm include the British astronomer Sir William Herschel (1738-1822) and the American architect Cass Gilbert (1859-1934).

Geographical distribution of the last name Hulm

The last name Hulm has a noticeable presence across several regions globally, with significant concentrations in certain countries. In Europe, it is most prevalent in the Netherlands and Belgium, reflecting its probable Dutch or Flemish origins. A notable number of individuals sharing this surname also reside in the United Kingdom, particularly in England's East Anglia region. In North America, there are substantial populations of Hulms in the United States, primarily in states such as Iowa, Illinois, and Michigan, with smaller communities in Canada. The distribution pattern suggests a possible migration from Europe to North America during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Other countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, also host Hulm families, demonstrating a wider dispersion of this last name across the globe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Hulm

The surname Hulm has several variations and spellings worldwide. The most common spelling is "Hulme," which originates from the Old Norse word "holmr," meaning "island" or "headland." Other variations include Houlme, Houlem, Hoolum, Holum, Hulom, and Hulum. These variations may arise due to phonetic spelling changes, regional dialects, or historical record errors over time. It is also important to note that some families who bear the name Hulm may have originated from different regions, such as England, Scotland, Norway, and the Netherlands, where the name could have different meanings or origins. Additionally, it is not uncommon for individuals with this surname to adopt slightly modified spellings due to personal preference or immigration-related factors.

Famous people with the last name Hulm

The Hulm surname is associated with several notable figures in various fields. In music, the Hulm family produced three generations of musicians, most notably Michael Hulme, a British composer and conductor who has worked extensively in opera, ballet, and film. Another notable figure is John Hulme, an American painter known for his contributions to Abstract Expressionism, associated with artists such as Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko. In sports, Mike Hulme was a professional ice hockey player in the National Hockey League (NHL). Additionally, Sir John Humphrey Hulme-Beaman was a British racing driver who won the 1935 Le Mans 24 Hours race, and Alan Hulme is a British journalist, writer, and broadcaster known for his work on The Guardian and BBC Radio Manchester. These individuals have left indelible marks in their respective fields, demonstrating the diverse talents of those carrying the Hulm surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Hulm

The surname Hulm is primarily found in England and Scotland, with some occurrences in continental Europe as well. In England, the earliest recorded instance of the name dates back to the 13th century, specifically to Robert Hule, who was documented in Yorkshire in 1273. The name likely originated from various locations bearing the topographical name Hulme, which meant "marshy land" or "muddy pool" in Old English. In Scotland, the earliest recorded instance of the surname is William de Houm who was documented in Roxburghshire in 1296. The Scottish variant 'Houm' may have evolved from the Norman French form 'de l'Hume', suggesting a possible Norman origin. Over time, variations in the spelling of the name have arisen, including Holm, Hole, and Houlme. The migration of people bearing this surname to North America began in the late 17th century, with notable settlements in New England and the Mid-Atlantic states. Today, the Hulm/Houlm lineage is widely distributed globally, reflecting the diaspora that followed the industrial revolution and the colonial era.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Hulm"
• 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 June 2025

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