Surname Hume - Meaning and Origin
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A Personal Journey through Genetics: An Unearthing of the Hume Surname via iGENEA DNA ancestry testing
Eager to delve into my family history, I embarked on a DNA ancestry journey through iGENEA, with a focus on the paternal lineage of the Hume surname. By utilizing advanced autosomal DNA testing, iGENEA provided a precise and comprehensive representation that sketched an unexpected profile of my heritage, painting a vibrant picture of Central European and Norse Viking roots. This adventure unraveled surprising twists and a much-needed context to the origins and spread of the Hume surname.
Q. Hume
read moreHume: What does the surname Hume mean?
The surname Hume is of Scottish origin, primarily deriving from a town named Hume in Berwickshire, Scotland. The name is believed to be derived from the Old English word "hum", which signifies a low-lying land or a grassy plain. It is a toponymic surname, indicating that its original bearers either lived or were born in this area. The Hume family has a rich and illustrious lineage in Scotland's history, being a part of lowland clans who initially lived in the hilly area of Greenlaw, in the district of Berwickshire. Notably, it was borne by the famous philosopher and historian, David Hume. Overall, the surname Hume represents a geographical heritage indicating its bearers are descendants from the people who once resided in the Scottish lowlands.
Order DNA origin analysisHume: Where does the name Hume come from?
The surname Hume originated from Scotland, more precisely from the Scottish Borders region. It is derived from the medieval locality known as Hume. The place name itself was taken from the Old English word "hum" which means "hill."
During the 12th century, the title of Home (modern spellings include Hume) was taken up by the proprietor of the estates in Berwickshire. The first documented figure bearing this name was William de Home, around 1170.
In terms of where the surname is common today, it is predominantly found in English-speaking countries including the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and the United States. In some parts of the world, the spelling of this surname has evolved into Home, in addition to Hume. It is a relatively common name in Scotland as well as some parts of England.
Prominent persons with surname Hume includes David Hume, the influential Scottish philosopher; Sir Alec Douglas-Home, former British Prime Minister; and John Hume, cyclist and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in Northern Ireland.
Variations of the surname Hume
The surname Hume has various spellings and variants which have the same origin. These include Home, Homes, Humes, Hum, Hoome, Hoom, and Hoomey. Derived from the territorial name of Home in Berwickshire, North East Scotland, this surname has also been changed over time through Welsh, Irish, and Scottish dialectal influences. Some Irish surnames related to Hume are O'Hamill and Homill, predominantly found in County Tyrone, North Ireland.
In French, it could possibly be transposed as Heaumé, a topographic name for someone who lived by a holm oak. The spellings may also include Humme and Huhme in Westphalian Germanic regions. English variants could include Holmes, Holme, and Holm. Surnames related to Hume widely spread across England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, France, Germany, and beyond.
Phonetic similarities and spelling variations have also resulted in a host of derivatives and similar-sounding Jewish surnames like Heim, Heym, or Haim. However, these names are historically separate from the surname Hume. Each variant of the surname Hume would have its own unique history and linguistic influences depending on region and culture.
Famous people with the name Hume
- David Hume: The famous Scottish philosopher
- Fergal Hume: Irish actor
- Basia Hume: British fashion designer
- Alan Hume: British film director and producer
- Alec Hume: Scottish footballer
- John Hume: Irish politician and Nobel Peace Prize recipient
- David Hume Kennerly: Award-winning American photojournalist
- Michael Hume: American television director
- Gordon Hume: Canadian Olympian
- Bill Hume: British Radio 4 presenter