Surname Gump - Meaning and Origin

Gump: What does the surname Gump mean?

The origin of the last name Gump is uncertain, but it is believed to be of German ancestry. It is thought to be derived from the German word "Gumpf" which means "bend" or "curve". The meaning of this word may refer to the shape of a river or stream, as it is believed that the surname originated from the banks of a river in Germany.

The name Gump may have originally referred to a person who lived close to a meandering river or stream, as the word implies. It could have also been used as a nickname for someone with a curved back, or for someone who was a bit of a rouge.

The surname Gump is not a common one, only occurring once on a registry in Canada, and eight times on a registry in the United States as of the 2020 census. The only other records are from Germany, where the surname is most likely the most populous.

Gump is a unique and uncommon name, but its meaning is thought to come from one of two possibilities- brute strength or a unique bend. Its connection to a river or stream implies a close relationship to nature, and the resilience of anyone who chose to settle near such an unpredictable fate. It is an interesting reminder of the history of the people who chose this name.

Gump: Where does the name Gump come from?

The last name Gump is primarily found in the United States today. It is thought to be of German origin and can be found with concentrations in the U.S. states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Texas, and Arkansas.

In Wisconsin, Gump is found more specifically in Dane and Jefferson Counties. It is also common in the city of Milwaukie, Wisconsin, where records documents the establishment of many of the first Gump immigrants to the U.S.

In Texas, Gump is mostly found in Harris and Tarrant Counties. It is also found in the cities of Houston and Fort Worth.

In Arkansas, Gump families are found in Faulkner, Pulaski, and White Counties, as well as the city of Little Rock.

In Minnesota, Gump families are concentrated in Hennepin and Scandia Counties.

The surname Gump is also present in smaller numbers elsewhere in the United States, as well as in other countries such as Canada, Mexico, and elsewhere in Europe.

Variations of the surname Gump

The surname Gump is believed to have originated in the German-speaking areas of central and eastern Europe. It likely derived from the Old German word ‘gump’, which means ‘jumped over’ or ‘battled’. The name also bears similarities to a Norweigan term ‘gunn’, meaning ‘war bond’.

The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin as Gump include Gohn, Gom, Goem, Gomb, Goml, Gomlau/Gomles, Gumb, Gumbs, Gumpp, Geimp, Gimp, Gumpel, Gumple, Gumplej, Gimpel, Gumbel and Gumbell.

Gohn is a variant of Gump found in the Austrian state of Lower Austria. Gom and Goem are similar variants used in the Netherlands and Germany. Gomb and Goml originate in Slovenia. Gomlau or Gomles is a variant found in East Prussia. Gumb, Gumpp, Geimp, Gimp, Gumpel, Gumple and Gumplej are variants found in Germany, which is also the source of Gimpel. Gumbel and Gumbell variations also appear to have originated in Germany as well.

The surname Gump has also spawned a variety of other surnames, some of which are related to alternate spellings of Gump. These surnames include Guen, Geem, Geeml, Geen, Gien, Gaem, Gaemle, Geemmel and Geenman.

In America, the Gump surname has undergone some changes in spelling, with some of the more common variations being Lump, Lumpkin, Lumpkin & Leap.

Famous people with the name Gump

• Forrest Gump: protagonist of the iconic 1994 movie, portrayed by Tom Hanks.
• Jenny Gump: Forrest’s mother in the film Forrest Gump.
• Elvis Presley: part of a photographic mural in the film, labeled as “Elvis Gump”.
• Albert Gump: Forrest’s older brother in the movie.
• John D. Gump: U.S. Navy Rear Admiral, United States Navy Reserve and Vietnam War veteran.
• Ken Gump: American basketball player and Olympic gold medalist.
• Robert Gump: Prolific American zoologist and vertebrate paleontologist.
• Nick Gump: Former pitcher in Major League Baseball.
• William Francis Gump: Founder of the Bowlus Paper Company.
• Dez Gumpano: Former American professional footballer.
• Henry J. Gump: Served as Chief of the United States Forest Service from 1924 to 1933.
• Jody Gump: American cinematographer and director.

Other surnames

GumGumbGumbelGümbelGumberGumbertGumboldGumboldtGumboltGumbrechtGumbsGumeGumersallGumersellGumeryGumessonGummGummarsallGummeGummersallGummersbachGummersellGummershallGummersonGummeryGummesGummessonGummsGümpellGumpert