Sumner

“one who is a summoner or gatherer”

American origin · Unisex name

♂ 93% boys♀ 7% girls

#7663US 2023

11Births / yr

↑Rising

2.6kAll-time births

📅 Since 197900

How to pronounce Sumner

SUHMN·er

/ˈsəmn.ɝ/ · stress on SUHMN · 2 syllables

“one who is a summoner or gatherer”

American origin · Unisex name

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.

🌿

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

How popular is Sumner right now?

Rising fast — up 1221 spots — currently #7663 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1985–2023#7663 · Top 5.7%

1985

1995

2000

2005

2010

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Sumner

Best Year2021Rank #7037

Peak Count12

Average Rank#9191

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1985 - 20238 years

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:

Emily Jessica Ashley Sarah Hannah

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?

Common

SumSuUmner

What names sound and feel like Sumner?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Sumner also consider these

Summer

American · English

Sumter

American · Derived from the

Sumpter

American · One who carries

Gunner

American · originally a masculine

Sutter

American · A beloved name

Germanic · Language: German -

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.