Sumner
Sumner is a boy's name of English origin.
Meaning
Summoner or court official.
Origin and history
Sumner originated as an English occupational surname derived from the Anglo-French word for a summoner, an official who summoned individuals to court. It has a long history of use as a given name in the United States, often chosen to honor family heritage. While relatively rare today, it remains a distinctive traditional choice.
Popularity in the United States
2,444 babies in the United States have been named Sumner since 1880. It ranks #2622 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1849.
States where it is most popular
- MA (92.4 %)
- ME (2.5 %)
- NY (2.2 %)
- CA (1.6 %)
- IL (0.72 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 77 |
| 1890-1900 | 43 |
| 1900-1910 | 50 |
| 1910-1920 | 339 |
| 1920-1930 | 570 |
| 1930-1940 | 269 |
| 1940-1950 | 218 |
| 1950-1960 | 122 |
| 1960-1970 | 67 |
| 1970-1980 | 46 |
| 1980-1990 | 70 |
| 1990-2000 | 200 |
| 2000-2010 | 170 |
| 2010-2019 | 125 |
| 2020-2029 | 78 |
Famous people named Sumner
- Sumner Redstone: Media Executive, Businessman
- Sumner Welles: Diplomat, Politician
Fun facts
- The name originally designated a summoner, a medieval officer who delivered legal writs and court summonses.
- Like many traditional American given names, Sumner transitioned from a family surname into a first name.