Summary

The surname SUMNER has English origins and is derived from the occupation of a summoner, which referred to a court officer who issued summonses or citations. This surname has a long history dating back to medieval times.
There are
18838
Sumners in the USA
Sumner is the
1909th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Sumner

CharlesSumner

Charles Sumner was an American politician and senator from Massachusetts who was an abolitionist and advocate for civil rights. He was known for delivering a passionate anti-slavery speech which resulted in an assault on him by a fellow congressman.

WilliamGraham

William Graham Sumner was an American sociologist and economist who was one of the first to teach sociology in the United States. He is known for his theories on social Darwinism and laissez-faire capitalism.

EdwinVose

Edwin Vose Sumner was a career United States Army officer who served in the Mexican-American War and the American Civil War. He was known for his command of the II Corps during the First Battle of Bull Run.

GeorgeSumner

George Sumner was an English-American clergyman and academic who served as the Bishop of Oregon. He was known for his advocacy for Native American rights and his efforts to improve education in the Oregon Territory.

AliceSumner

Alice Sumner was an American suffragist and social reformer who was a key figure in the women's rights movement. She was known for her work on women's suffrage and her advocacy for women's education.

JohnBird

John Bird Sumner was an English bishop who served as the Archbishop of Canterbury. He was known for his efforts to reconcile the Church of England with the Roman Catholic Church.

FrancisSumner

Francis Sumner was an American composer and music theorist who was one of the first African Americans to earn a doctorate in music. He was known for his contributions to the field of music education.

BeatriceSumner

Beatrice Sumner was an English suffragette and social reformer who was a leading figure in the women's suffrage movement. She was known for her militant tactics and her imprisonment for her activism.

EdithSumner

Edith Sumner was an American journalist and suffragist who was one of the first women to work as a reporter for a major news organization. She was known for her coverage of women's rights and social issues.

ReginaldSumner

Reginald Sumner was an American painter and muralist who was known for his large-scale works depicting scenes from American history. He was a prominent figure in the American muralist movement of the early 20th century.

Sumner Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Sumner' is of English origin and is an occupational name derived from the Middle English word 'sumner,' which referred to a summoner or officer of the ecclesiastical courts. It was a title given to someone who was responsible for summoning witnesses and executing writs.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Sumner' is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in states like Texas, Georgia, and California. It is also found in smaller numbers in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Sumner' include 'Summers' and 'Sumners.'
Migration and ImmigrationThe name 'Sumner' has been carried by immigrants to various countries, particularly during periods of British colonization and settlement. Many individuals with the surname 'Sumner' can trace their ancestry back to England.