Surname Mims - Meaning and Origin
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Exploring the Strands of History and Heritage: A Journey into the Mims Ancestral Lineage with iGENEA DNA Analysis
Venturing into the historical landscape of my family roots through iGENEA's DNA analysis, I discovered the surprising diversity of my forebears’ origins. From the British Isles to the Middle East, the Scandinavian nations, and Mongolia, the Mims lineage spanned continents, yielding a rich and complex tapestry of influences captured within the letters of my surname.
D. Mims
read moreMims: What does the surname Mims mean?
The surname Mims is believed to have originated in England before spreading to other parts of the world through colonization and migration. It is a patronymic surname derived from the medieval personal name Mihel, an Old French variant of Michael. The name Michael is a biblical name that is Hebrew in origin and means "Who is like God?" In medieval England, the name was often found transformed into forms like Mihel and Michel, and from these forms sprung the patronymic names like Mims, Mimm, Mymms, etc. Over the years these names have seen many changes in spelling due to factors like regional dialects and phonetic spelling habits. The surname Mims might also have some connections with a place in England named Mims, Hertfordshire, located just outside of London. As with most surnames, it's hard to pinpoint an exact origin as many historical documents have been lost or destroyed over the centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisMims: Where does the name Mims come from?
The surname Mims is of British origin, specifically traced back to England. It's believed to be a locational surname derived from a place named Mims in Hertfordshire. In the ancient Domesday Book of 1086, this place was recorded as Mime. Surnames gained popularity in the Middle Ages as a means of distinguishing people with common first names, utilizing characteristics such as occupation, place of origin, or physical attributes.
Today, the surname Mims is found in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. According to census data and surname distribution maps, it appears to be particularly common in the United States, specifically in the southern states. Its prevalence in these areas can be attributed to patterns of immigration and settlement, with many Mims families settling in the US during the era of British colonization. Despite its relatively wide use in these countries, it is considered a relatively uncommon surname overall.
Variations of the surname Mims
The surname Mims is of English origin and could be derived from an old family nickname or could signify a place of residence. There are a number of alternate spellings and variations of this name. These mainly include Mimms, Mimm, and Mim.
It's important to mention that many names, including Mims, were spelled differently throughout history due to the lack of consistency in spelling rules. Therefore, historical documents often contain various spellings of the same person’s name. Name variations could also be introduced when someone moved to another country and adapted the spelling to fit the new language.
Surnames similar to Mims could include Mumps, Mimis, Mimms, Mames, Mumes, and Mimas. These names might look the same or similar, but it always requires valid genealogical research to prove a family connection. Specific to the Mims name, you might find people with the 'de Mims' or 'Mims of ...' (location) versions as well, which were common ways to denote family lineage or estate ownership in the past.
Famous people with the name Mims
- Jessica Mims: Singer and actress best known for her role as Tanya on 'Gospel Hill'.
- Don Mims: Retired professional American football player who played wide receiver in the NFL for the Los Angeles Rams.
- Thomas Mims: Professional basketball player who currently plays for the Icetigers Möcke.
- Linda Mims:Legendary R&B singer, songwriter, and actress best known for her hit songs "Angel in Disguise" and "Love Don't Come No Stronger".
- Bo Mims: Former National Football League linebacker who played for the San Diego Chargers.
- Miles Mims: Member of the rap group Southern Playalistic Posse and founding member of the group Stalkers.
- Shannon Mims: Professional mixed martial artist who previously fought for the World Fighting Federation.
- Oscar Mims: Singer/songwriter and former lead vocalist for the A-Town Players.
- Tanya Mims: Individual medley swimmer who represented the United States in the 1968 Summer Olympic Games.
- Jorden Mims: American professional golfer from San Diego, California, currently playing on the Tour.