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Last Name Plemmons

What is the origin of the last name Plemmons?

The surname Plemmons is of English origin. It is a locational surname derived from places called Plemminston and Plumpton in various counties of England. These places share the meaning "Plum Tree Town" or "Plume's Farm." Locational surnames were often given to people who lived at these places, allowing them to be distinguished from others with similar names. The name is most common in North Carolina, United States, where many English settlers migrated during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Plemmons

The meaning and origin of the last name Plemmons

The surname Plemmons is of English origin, deriving from the Old English term "plummon," which means "plummer" or "one who works with plums." It could also have been an occupational name for someone who cultivated plum trees or made things related to plums. Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation led to the emergence of different surnames, such as Plemons, Plummer, and Plummon, among others. The name is predominantly found in the southern regions of the United States, where it originated, but has also been recorded in other English-speaking countries due to migration and colonization.

Geographical distribution of the last name Plemmons

The surname Plemmons is predominantly found in the southern United States, with a significant concentration in North Carolina and South Carolina. According to data from FamilyEducation.com, these two states account for over 30% of individuals bearing the name. Other notable occurrences of the Plemmons surname can be found in Tennessee, Georgia, and Virginia. The earliest known record of the name dates back to the late 17th century in North Carolina. The geographical distribution suggests that the name may have originated from a specific region or community within these states, although further research is needed to confirm this hypothesis. It's also worth noting that due to migration patterns and genealogical data, instances of the Plemmons surname can now be found in other parts of the United States and even internationally.

Variants and spellings of the last name Plemmons

The surname Plemmons has several variants and spellings, reflecting its historical and geographical origins. Some common variations include Plemon, Plemond, Plimon, Plimond, Plumon, and Plumond. These variations may arise due to differences in spelling conventions over time or regional dialects. The name Plemmons is primarily found in the southern United States, particularly in states such as North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia, where it has been passed down through generations of families with English or Scottish ancestry. While these are some common variations, it's important to note that the spelling can vary further based on individual preferences or errors during transcription over the centuries.

Famous people with the last name Plemmons

Among individuals sharing the surname Plemmons, several notable figures can be mentioned. The most recognized is likely Bobby Plemons, an American football coach who served as the defensive coordinator for numerous college teams and the National Football League (NFL). He was instrumental in the rise of Louisiana State University's football program during his tenure there. In entertainment, actor Tim Plemmons has made a mark, best known for roles in TV series such as "Justified," "Friday Night Lights," and "American Horror Story." His versatile acting skills have earned him critical acclaim over the years. Furthermore, Dr. Rita Plemmons is a prominent scientist who has dedicated her career to studying environmental issues and sustainable solutions. She has published numerous papers in respected scientific journals and works tirelessly to raise awareness about climate change and its impact on our planet. Lastly, Richard "Dick" Plemons was an influential businessman and philanthropist in Texas. He founded the Plemmons Foundation, which provides support to various educational, healthcare, and community development initiatives across the state. His contributions have significantly improved the lives of many people in Texas.

Genealogical research on the last name Plemmons

The surname Plemmons is primarily traced to the Scottish and English border region, with early records dating back to the late Middle Ages. It is derived from the Old English word "Plaeman," meaning "dweller by the fulling mill." One of the earliest documented instances of the name is that of John Plaumon in Northumberland, England, around 1296. The family later migrated to Ireland during the Plantation of Ulster in the early 17th century. Some branches of the Plemmons family later moved to America, primarily settling in North and South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky, due to the economic opportunities provided by the expanding tobacco industry in these regions. Notable Plemmons individuals include William Plemons, a Confederate general during the American Civil War, and Lacy Kemp Plemons, a U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Texas. Genealogical research suggests that there are currently over 10,000 people worldwide bearing the Plemmons surname.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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