The Cummings Family History

What Does the Cummings Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Cummings, which has Scottish, Irish, and English roots, derives from the term ‘Breton,’ signifying a state of being crooked, curved, or bent. This family name serves as the plural form of Cumming. Variations in spelling for Cummings include Cumins, Cummin, Comings, Commin, Cummine, Cumin, and Cummins. The lineage of the Cummings family is traced back to the regions of Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and Norfolk in England during the 12th century, from which it gradually disseminated to Northumberland, Lancashire, and the city of London. In Scotland, members of the Cummings family are dispersed throughout the country, with significant populations found primarily in the counties of Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, Midlothian, and Aberdeenshire. In the United States, the surname Cummings is notably prevalent in states such as Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Georgia, Texas, Michigan, New Jersey, Iowa, and California. Among the notable individuals bearing this surname are Constance Cummings, an actress; Irving Cummings, who was an actor, director, and writer; Midre Cummings, a professional baseball player; Quinn Cummings, known for developing the HipHugger baby sling; Robert Cummings, a film and television actor; Thomas S. Cummings, an artist and author; Ella Bully-Cummings, the first female Chief of Police in Detroit; and Candy William Cummings, also a professional baseball player.