Find out how popular the first name Sumner has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Sumner by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Sumner is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 75% of people named Sumner being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 11 male babies and 11 female babies born with the name Sumner.

The history of the first name Sumner

The name Sumner is an English surname that originated as an occupational name for a summoner, an official who summoned people to appear in court. It is derived from the Anglo-Norman French word "somoneur," which in turn comes from the Latin "summonitor," meaning "summoner" or "caller."

The earliest recorded use of the name Sumner dates back to the 13th century in England. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Walter le Somenur, who was mentioned in the Assize Rolls of Staffordshire in 1293.

The name Sumner has been used as a given name for both males and females, although it is more commonly given to males. It gained popularity in the United States during the 19th century, possibly influenced by prominent individuals bearing the name.

One of the most notable historical figures named Sumner was Charles Sumner, an American politician and statesman who served as a United States Senator from Massachusetts from 1851 to 1874. He was a leader of the Radical Republicans and a staunch opponent of slavery. He was born in 1811 and died in 1874.

Another notable bearer of the name was William Graham Sumner, an American academic and author who was a prominent figure in the field of sociology and an advocate of classical liberal ideals. He was born in 1840 and died in 1910.

Sumner Welles, an American diplomat and government official, served as the Under Secretary of State from 1937 to 1943. He played a significant role in shaping American foreign policy during World War II. He was born in 1892 and died in 1961.

Sumner Redstone, an American businessman and media mogul, is another prominent figure who bore the name. He was the chairman and CEO of National Amusements, a media company that controlled ViacomCBS and CBS Corporation. He was born in 1923 and died in 2020.

Sumner Sewall, an American businessman and politician, served as the 27th Governor of Maine from 1941 to 1945. He was born in 1897 and died in 1965.

The name Sumner has been used across various cultures and time periods, reflecting its origins as an occupational name and its association with prominent individuals throughout history.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Sumner was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Sumner, please contact us.

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