Surname Gammons - Meaning and Origin

Gammons: What does the surname Gammons mean?

The surname Gammons is of English origin and is considered to be a patronymic or occupation-related name. It is derived from the Middle English name “Gammon”, which was a nickname for an old or experienced individual. The word "gammon" comes from the Old Norman-French word “gamon”, meaning old or experienced, possibly referring to an elderly wise man or a senior person in a profession or trade. Another theory suggests that it may be an occupational name for someone who cured or sold pork, as "gammon" also refers to a specific cut of ham. Surnames often originated from a person's occupation, physical characteristics, or geographical location. Like many such names, the surname Gammons likely evolved and spread with the transplantation of people through industrialization, urbanization, and other historical movements.

Gammons: Where does the name Gammons come from?

The surname Gammons is of English origin. It is derived from the Old Norse personal name "Gamall" which translates to "old". The name was first found in Gloucestershire where they were granted lands by William the Conqueror. The name evolved over time and was recorded as "Game", "Gammon" or "Gammons". During and after the Norman conquest, these variations of the name spread, corresponding with the dispersion of families and communities, notably to Ireland and the New World (America and Australia).

Today, the surname Gammons is most common in the United States, predominantly in North Carolina, but also present in Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and other southeastern states. Small pockets can be found in the United Kingdom, predominantly in and around London and southeastern England. It also appears, albeit less frequently, in Australia and Canada.

In addition to these geographic concentrations, the name is also well-known in the realm of sports journalism due to Peter Gammons, an American sportswriter, media personality, and recipient of the J.G. Taylor Spink Award for outstanding baseball writing.

Variations of the surname Gammons

The surname Gammons is believed to originate from the Old French given name Gamon, derived from the Germanic given name Gamund. It most likely entered into the English name system following the Norman Conquest in 1066.

A number of variants and spellings of this name have emerged over time. Some of the most common variations include Gamon, Gamman, Gaman, Gammon, Gammond, and Gammons. There is also Gammoner, though this is quite rare.

Surname variants could also come from the Welsh name "Gamon", which means "winter". These Welsh variations can include Gamon, Gammon, Gammons, or even Gamman.

Occasionally, changes in the spelling of the name occurred due to factors like regional dialects and spelling standards during different time periods. Additionally, different branches of a family might choose to spell their surname differently, adding to the variations.

The surnames like Gamon, Gammans, or Gammin can also be from the same origin or at times they can be the anglicized form of a Gaelic name.

People with the surname Gammons or its variants can be found primarily in England, but as people migrated, so did the name, spreading to countries like the United States, Australia, and Canada.

Remember that surname origins can also be influenced by locality, occupation, or personal characteristics, causing additional variations.

Famous people with the name Gammons

• Peter Gammons: He is an American sportswriter, media personality and a commentator for the Major League Baseball network. He is well-known for his long association with the Boston Globe.
• Charles F. Gammons: He was a Massachusetts attorney who notably ran for Lieutenant Governor in 1913.
• Stephen Gammons: He is a British racing driver who participated in the "MG Midget" Championships.
• Jon Gammons: He is a famous magician known for his mentalism and magic tricks.
• Elizabeth Gammons: She is an American author who wrote "Come Walk in My Garden" and "Kaleidoscope Moments."
• Jim Gammons: An American actor known for playing Colonel Tom Parker in "Elvis: The Great Performances." These are the most notable individuals with the last name Gammons; however, many other individuals with the last name may not be as globally renowned or publicly recognized.

Other surnames

GammonGammond