Surname Comer - Meaning and Origin
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Comer: What does the surname Comer mean?
The surname Comer is of English origin and is derived from the Old English term 'cumb' which means 'valley'. It was typically given to individuals who lived in or near a valley. Contrary to the noun 'comer' (as in 'newcomer'), there is no direct relation between the two because the surname Comer predates it by many centuries. The surname has many variations including Cumber, Cumbers, Comber, Comers, and others. Over the centuries, it has spread to various parts of the world due to migration, colonial expansion, and other forms of displacement. Notably, each cultural group and geographical region may have developed unique interpretations or modifications of the surname based on their linguistic and cultural contexts.
Order DNA origin analysisComer: Where does the name Comer come from?
The surname Comer is of Irish origin, specifically from the region of Connacht in the west of Ireland. The name is derived from the Gaelic name ‘Ó Comáin’ which translates to 'descendant of Comán'. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of O'Coimin, which was dated circa 1172, in the "Ancient Irish Records".
The name could also have a different origin in England, where it is derived from the old English word 'Cumbere', which means a dweller in a deep valley.
The surname Comer is popular in both Ireland and England. In the US, the surname has been recorded mostly in the southern states, including Georgia, Kentucky, and Alabama, likely as a result of Irish and English immigration in the past. Since then, bearers of the Comer surname have spread all over the US and other English-speaking countries. The influential British actress Jodie Comer of "Killing Eve" fame has also helped to spread awareness of this name internationally.
Variations of the surname Comer
The surname Comer is of English origin and it primarily refers to a dweller by or worker at a combe, which is a deep hollow or valley.
Variants or similar sounding of the surname Comer include Comber, Coomer, Cramer, Cromer, Cumer, Comber, Combers, Comere, Comeres, Comero, Comeros, Cumer, Cumers, Cumero and Cumeros.
Like many English surnames, the spelling could change over time and variation between regions, often due to a lack of standardized spelling in early English documents. It's also common to see modifications after emigration, typically to make the name easier to pronounce or spelling more closely to its pronunciation. For instance, Komer or Kommer could be an Americanised version.
As for surnames of the same origin, since Comer originated from an English place name, any surname that originated from a specific English location, especially geographical features like hills, rivers, and specific landmarks can be considered of the same origin. Examples can include Hill, Brooks, Fields, etc. Additionally, any profession-based surname could be considered of the same origin, given that Comer also refers to a particular profession. Examples include Baker, Smith, etc.
Famous people with the name Comer
- Jodie Comer: An English actress famous for her role in the BBC America drama series "Killing Eve" which won her several awards including a Primetime Emmy.
- Denis Comer: An Irish former footballer who played in the League of Ireland during the 1990s.
- Chuck Comer: An American football player who played professionally in the American Football League during the 1960s.
- Gary Comer: Founder of the successful U.S. clothing retailer, Lands' End. He was also recognized for his philanthropy in his native city, Chicago.
- James Comer: An American politician from Kentucky who has served as the U.S. Representative for Kentucky's 1st congressional district since 2016.
- Pamela Comer: An American actress known for her voice-over work in video games, most notably in the "Final Fantasy" series.
- Janet Comer: A British actress best known for playing the character of Mrs. Johnson in the BBC drama series "Doctors".
- Robert Comer: An American professional golfer who played on the PGA Tour in the 1960s and 1970s.