Surname Kummer - Meaning and Origin
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Unraveling Familial Ties: A Journey into the Origins of the Kummer Surname through iGENEA DNA Analysis
Discovering ancestral roots and tracing the history of the Kummer surname using iGENEA's DNA analysis, journeyed across surprising paths. From learning about the name's Middle High German origins to revealing ties to the ancient Celts, the results painted an intriguing portrait of my family's historical layers.
S. Kummer
read moreKummer: What does the surname Kummer mean?
Kummer is a German surname that has been found throughout Europe since the Middle Ages. It is believed to have first originated from the Swiss-German dialect of Alemannic, appearing as Kümmer or Kummerer, meaning a carpenter or woodworker. During Medieval times, many people with this surname would have been responsible for building the traditional wooden structures found in small villages.
In German, the word Kummer translates to ‘sorrow’, and it is possible that some individuals with this last name were of a sad disposition, giving the surname to their families. Alternately, it could indicate a family that was suffering from a poor harvest and famine. Interestingly, the name is also believed to be derived from the Middle High German word ‘kommer’, meaning a military ‘comrade’ or someone in a position of authority. Therefore, it could also represent an individual who held an important place in their village or community.
Kummer is a surname that evokes an image of medieval Europe, reminding us of the historical significance of this period in time. The multiple interpretations of the word further amplify the significance of names in learning about the people who lived centuries ago.
Order DNA origin analysisKummer: Where does the name Kummer come from?
The last name Kummer is a relatively uncommon surname, appearing among smaller populations in the United States, Canada, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The name is believed to be Germanic in descent, and is found most commonly in German-speaking countries.
In Germany, Kummer is most prevalent in the south-eastern region. It is the 50th most common surname in Austria, where it has remained largely concentrated in the southern-central part of the country. In the Swiss canton of Zurich it ranks as the 39th most common surname, with the highest concentration there being in the area around Zurich.
In the United States, the name Kummer appears in states such as Texas, Ohio, Florida, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. The largest population of Kummers is found in the state of Texas, in and around the towns of Austin, San Antonio, and Houston. In Canada, the name Kummer is less common, appearing in provinces such as Alberta and British Columbia.
Overall, the last name Kummer is not especially prevalent in any one location, but it is likely to continue to appear in the regions where it is already present.
Variations of the surname Kummer
The surname Kummer is of German, Swiss-German and Danish origin, and is an occupational name derived from the Middle High German noun kumere, which means ‘innkeeper’ or ‘tavern keeper’. Variants of this surname include Cummer, Kumir, Kumer, Kummerer, Kumerer, Kumerle and Kummares. In some cases, the surname may have also undergone spelling changes over the years, such as the addition of extra letters or the removal of certain letters. These alternative spellings could include Kumeer, Coomer, Conmer, Kammers, Kommer, Cumer and Kumor. There may also be a variety of surnames, which has the same origin as Kummer, such as Kumro, Kummerle and Kummerly.
Typically, these types of surnames are associated with particular regions in central Europe. In Germany, for example, it is primarily found in the state of Franconia, while in Switzerland the majority of individuals with the surname are from the region of Zurich. In Denmark, the surname Kummer has been predominantly found in Northern Jutland and Bornholm.
Famous people with the name Kummer
- Peter Kummer: German footballer who played as a forward for Mainz and Augsburg.
- Fritz Kummer: Swiss-Austrian actor and producer best known for his role in the movie Trautmann.
- Erich Kummer: Austrian political activist, Nazi Party member, and SS divisional commander during World War II.
- Hans Kummer: Swiss Olympic Alpine skier and cross-country skier who competed in the 1948 and 1952 Winter Olympics.
- Krisztián Kummer: Hungarian professional footballer who plays as a defender for Merkur Grunden.
- Johannes Kummer: German opera singer and stage director, he was the founder of the Düsseldorf Opera.
- Richard Kummer: German architect and professor emeritus at the University of Stuttgart.
- Helmut Kummer: Austrian artist and sculptor who created abstract works of sculpture and large-scale installations.
- Ronaldi Kummel: Danish Proffessional Badminton Player who won multiple Danish Championships and participated in the 1998 and 2002 Asian Badminton Championship.
- Robert Kummer: Austrian film director, screenwriter, and actor who directed the movies “Das Gasthaus am See” and “Winter im Sommer”.