What does Sumner mean and where does it come from?
The name Sumner originates from an English surname, which denoted a type of officer or official responsible for summoning people for legal matters. It has been used as a given name since the 19th century and is particularly popular in the United States. Variants of this name can also be found in oth
Cultural significance
Sumner has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of one who is a summoner or gatherer.
Peak popularity
Reached #6858 in 1997 — currently #7663 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Sumner?
Sumner works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Sumner Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Sumner Rose
Floral · soft ending
Sumner Mae
Sweet · timeless
Sumner Claire
French influence · crisp
Sumner Jane
Literary · strong
Sumner Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Sumner right now?
Rising fast — up 1221 spots — currently #7663 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #7663 | 11 | ▲ up 1221 · +22% births |
| 2022 | #8884 | 9 | ▼ down 1847 · -25% births |
| 2021 | #7037 | 12 | ▲ up 6421 · +71% births |
| 2010 | #13458 | 7 | ▼ down 427 |
| 2005 | #13031 | 7 | ▼ down 4993 · -42% births |
| 2000 | #8038 | 12 | ▼ down 978 |
| 1995 | #7060 | 12 | ▲ up 1293 · +71% births |
| 1985 | #8353 | 7 | — |
The story of Sumner
Sumner is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1979. With 2,572 total births recorded, Sumner remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #8353 in 1985 to #7663 in 2023. Sumner is used for both genders: 7% female and 93% male.
Names that peaked alongside Sumner in 1997:
Sumner by decade
Sumner peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 77 | |
| 1890s | 43 | |
| 1900s | 50 | |
| 1910s | 339 | |
| 1920s ★ | 570 | |
| 1930s | 269 | |
| 1940s | 218 | |
| 1950s | 122 | |
| 1960s | 67 | |
| 1970s | 52 | |
| 1980s | 103 | |
| 1990s | 273 | |
| 2000s | 229 | |
| 2010s | 144 | |
| 2020s | 16 | |
💎With 2,572 total births, Sumner is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Sumner?
What names sound and feel like Sumner?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Sumner also consider these
Common questions about the name Sumner
What does the name Sumner mean?
Sumner means "one who is a summoner or gatherer" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Sumner?
Sumner is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Sumner?
Sumner originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Sumner?
Sumner is a two-syllable name pronounced S AH1 M N ER0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Sumner a common or rare name?
Sumner is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.