Surname Humphrey - Meaning and Origin

Unraveling the Aristocratic Roots and Medieval Lineage of the Humphrey Clans Through iGENEA DNA Test

I embarked on an enlightening journey of discoverance, all thanks to the in-depth DNA analysis by iGENEA. The journey took an unexpected turn when I discovered the surprising aristocratic and medieval lineage attached to my surname, Humphrey. All it took was a simple saliva sample to uncover the rich, deep-rooted, and profound history of the Humphrey clan.

H. Humphrey

Humphrey: What does the surname Humphrey mean?

The surname Humphrey is derived from the Old German personal name Hunfrid, which translates to "Peaceful Hun". The Germanic tribe known as the Huns, who invaded many parts of Europe in the fourth and fifth centuries AD, is the reference for the first syllable "Hun". The second syllable "frid", translates to "peace". The name became popular during the Middle Ages, particularly in England, after St. Hunfrid, a seventh-century bishop of Therouanne. In the medieval period, it was common to adopt surnames based on personal or occupational characteristics, or to be named after popular saints. Over time, Hunfrid evolved into Humphrey in English. It's worth noting that different variations of the surname are found in different regions, such as Humphreys, Umfreville, and Humpherson. Therefore, the origin of each surname may differ slightly based on historical and cultural influences.

Humphrey: Where does the name Humphrey come from?

The surname Humphrey is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English personal name "Hunfrith," composed of the elements "hun," meaning bear cub, and "frith," meaning peace. It was introduced to England by the Normans during the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, commonly given as a baptismal name due to St. Humphrey, an 8th-century bishop of Therouanne.

Over time, it evolved as a surname, and many branches of the Humphrey family held significant status. The Humphreys of Llwyn Llwyd, Wales, for instance, trace their descent back to Iestyn ap Gwrgan, the last Welsh prince of Glamorgan.

Today, the surname Humphrey is quite common in English-speaking countries, predominantly in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. In the United States, it has historical prevalence in the East Coast states. Despite the geographical spread, the density remains highest in Wales, keeping with its roots.

Variations of the surname Humphrey

The surname Humphrey has a wide range of variants and spellings due to various factors including translation differences, phonetic spelling, and regional variations. Some of the most common variations of this name include Humphreys, Humphries, Humphry, Humphery, Humphris, and Humpherson.

The surname Humphrey also has several derivatives in different languages. For example, in French, it's often translated as Humfrey or Humpfroi, while in German it can be converted to Hunfrid or Humpert.

Different geographical areas also contribute in altering the surname. In places like Wales and Ireland, this surname has also been recorded as Umfraville or Orme.

In terms of diminutive or affectionate versions, Humph, Hump, and Humps are used occasionally as nicknames.

The surname Humphrey is also sometimes used as a given name, particularly in the United States, which can further result in a multitude of variations.

Please note that this list isn't exhaustive and there can be many more versions for the surname Humphrey, especially considering the wide range of dialects and sub-languages across the world.

Famous people with the name Humphrey

• Hubert Humphrey: 38th Vice President of the United States of America
• Lauren Humphrey: British actress, best known for her roles in films like Tetro and La La Land
• Humfrey de Bouillon: French medieval knight and leader of the First Crusade
• Tom Humphrey: Canadian Politician from Brampton, Ontario
• Jerome Humphrey: Acclaimed Canadianborn film director, whose works include The Human Element and Duplicity
• Humphrey Bogart: Legendary American actor and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient
• Benedict Humphrey: English poet best known for writing the poem “The Winter Walk”
• Mary Humphrey: Multi-award winning American playwright and television writer
• August Humphreys: Awardwinning American sculptor whose works include “Alice and Children” and “Guardian of the Arts”
• William K. Humphreys: Retired United States Air Force Brigadier General and Military Analyst

Other surnames

HumphreysHumphreyvilleHumphries