Umfreville Surname

The surname 'Umfreville' is a unique and fascinating name with a rich history and a relatively small distribution around the world. In this article, we will explore the origins, meaning, and distribution of the Umfreville surname in various countries. Let's delve deeper into the world of surnames and uncover the mysteries behind the name Umfreville.

Origins of the Umfreville Surname

The Umfreville surname has Norman origins, deriving from the Old French name 'Humbert' or 'Humbrecht'. The name 'Humbert' itself is composed of the elements 'hun', meaning 'bear', and 'berht', meaning 'bright' or 'famous'. Therefore, the surname Umfreville can be interpreted to mean 'bright bear' or 'famous bear'.

The Umfreville family was prominent in medieval England, particularly in the Northumberland region. They were a powerful baronial family with strong connections to the English monarchy. The name Umfreville is believed to have been brought to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The first recorded instance of the name in England dates back to the 12th century.

Meaning of the Umfreville Surname

As mentioned earlier, the Umfreville surname likely means 'bright bear' or 'famous bear'. This could indicate qualities such as strength, courage, and nobility associated with the bear as a symbol. Bears have long been revered in various cultures for their power and resilience, and it is possible that the Umfreville family adopted this symbol as a representation of their own attributes.

In addition to the literal meaning of the name, surnames often carry symbolic or historical significance. The Umfreville surname may have been used as a way to establish identity, lineage, or social status within the medieval hierarchy. Surnames were crucial for differentiating individuals and families in a society where personal names were often repetitive and confusing.

Distribution of the Umfreville Surname

Despite its rich history and noble origins, the Umfreville surname is relatively rare in the world today. According to the data collected from various countries, the incidence of the Umfreville surname is highest in England, specifically in the region of Northumberland. This is not surprising, given the family's historical ties to that area.

The distribution of the Umfreville surname outside of England is limited, with only a small number of occurrences in countries such as the United States, United Arab Emirates, Australia, Canada, Wales, and New Zealand. These instances may be attributed to migration, intermarriage, or other factors that have spread the name beyond its original homeland.

Incidence of the Umfreville Surname by Country

- England: The highest concentration of the Umfreville surname, with 57 recorded instances.

- United States: A small number of occurrences, with 6 recorded instances.

- United Arab Emirates: Only 2 recorded instances of the Umfreville surname.

- Australia: 1 recorded instance of the Umfreville surname.

- Canada: 1 recorded instance of the Umfreville surname.

- Wales: 1 recorded instance of the Umfreville surname.

- New Zealand: 1 recorded instance of the Umfreville surname.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Umfreville surname is a fascinating name with a storied history and a limited distribution around the world. Its Norman origins, meaning 'bright bear' or 'famous bear', and connections to medieval England make it a unique and distinctive surname. Despite its rarity, the Umfreville surname continues to be a symbol of strength, resilience, and nobility for those who bear it.

The surname Umfreville within the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is possible to locate African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Exactly the same occurs in the case of Umfreville, which as you are able to corroborate, it can be said it is a surname that can be found in all of the countries of this globe. In the same way you can find nations in which certainly the thickness of individuals using the surname Umfreville is more than in other countries.

The map of the Umfreville surname

View Umfreville surname map

The chance of examining on a globe map about which nations hold a greater number of Umfreville in the world, helps us a lot. By putting ourselves in the map, for a tangible country, we are able to understand tangible number of individuals using the surname Umfreville, to acquire in this manner the complete information of all the Umfreville that you could presently find in that country. All this also assists us to comprehend not just in which the surname Umfreville originates from, but also in what manner the folks that are initially an element of the household that bears the surname Umfreville have moved and moved. In the same manner, you are able to see by which places they have settled and grown up, which is why if Umfreville is our surname, it seems interesting to which other nations for the globe it's possible this one of our ancestors once moved to.

Nations with additional Umfreville on the planet

  1. England England (57)
  2. United States United States (6)
  3. United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates (2)
  4. Australia Australia (1)
  5. Canada Canada (1)
  6. Wales Wales (1)
  7. New Zealand New Zealand (1)