Surname Almond - Meaning and Origin

Solving the Almond Surname Mystique - A Review of my iGENEA DNA Journey

Taking a trip back in time, I used an iGENEA DNA test to delve deep into my lineage and the history behind my surname, Almond. The enlightening results, unexpected connections, and the rich history I uncovered makes it a rewarding journey worth sharing about.

A. Almond

Almond: What does the surname Almond mean?

The last name Almond is of English origin and was likely derived from the Middle English phrase "almond tree". It could also be a habitational name, meaning someone who came from either a town or village called Almond. It could also be a topographical name, meaning one who lived near an almond tree.

The almond tree is an evergreen tree that typically grows 7-12 meters tall and produces white to pink and yellow flowers. It is native to the Middle East and India, but has been widely cultivated and naturalized in many other regions worldwide. Almonds are an important food source and are used in a variety of culinary dishes, including almond milk, almond butter, and sweet treats like marzipan.

The surname Almond may serve as a reminder that those who bear it are related historically to a place where almond trees were once plentiful. It symbolizes a sense of history and connection to a time and place. It could also be seen as a reminder of the versatility and usefulness of the almond fruit. As the almond tree is symbolically associated with loyalty, wisdom, and protection, this name may suggest that those who bear it are associated with such qualities.

Almond: Where does the name Almond come from?

The last name Almond is most commonly found in the United States today, specifically within the southern region. According to the US Census, approximately 18,000 individuals have the last name Almond. Beyond the United States, the surname is also found in some other countries such as England, Canada, and Australia.

In the US, Almond is especially prevalent in the states of Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, North Carolina, and Georgia. Research shows that the last name has its roots in the British Isles, tracing back to at least the 17th century. It is referring to a person who was someone who was a descendant of a person from a region called Amand in France.

Historically, those who possessed the last name worked as farmers in rural areas, many of whom harvested the nut as a crop. This is likely how it became associated with the name. Despite its origins, today many people with the last name have no ties to the plant itself.

Though Almond may not be a common last name globally, it remains popular in many parts of the United States, particularly the southern region. What may have started out as a descriptor for those associated with the nut now stands as a testament to the families' history and culture.

Variations of the surname Almond

The surname Almond is derived from a medieval Norman nickname for someone with an almond-shaped face. The variants, spellings, and surnames of this origin typically begin with one of the two possible spellings, Almon or Almand. These include Almon, Almonte, Amond, Almaund, Allmond, Allmand, Alman, Almanz, Almonz, Almonier, Almounier, Alcmond, Aulmond, Amund, Almont, Ammund, Elmond, Elmont, Olmond, Elmund, and Olmand. Some variant spellings may accompany a prefix such as "de" or "von".

The earliest account of this surname was the 12th century Norman nobleman Adam de Almunt, which experts believe originated from the Latin phrase 'Ad Malum Montem', meaning "To the bad mountain". Over time, this name also evolved into derivatives such as Almain, Alm Alloy, Aubemund, and Almonet.

The Almond name can also be found in some Katz family names. Popularized in Jewish culture, this variation of the Almond name often stems from the Yiddish word "Mandel," meaning almond.

Alternate spelling variations of this surname in other countries include Almando, Almeida, Almano, Almento, Almuneda, and Almonidi.

The Almond surname can be found in numerous countries and regions, including France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Scandinavia, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and many others.

The commonality created by shared surnames among different cultures reinforces the unity of humankind. Although spelling and regional pronunciation may differ, each variation of this name serves to link families with similar last names who could potentially be related without them ever knowing it.

Famous people with the name Almond

• David Almond: He is a highly acclaimed English author whose work for children and young adults often deals with difficult issues such as death, bereavement, friendship, and the supernatural. His books have won multiple awards including the Carnegie Medal, the Whitbread Award, and the Michael L. Printz Award.
• John Almond: He was an English composer, flautist, vocalist and jazz musician. Almond was a part of the jazz and blues rock scenes in London in the 1960s and 1970s, and contributed to the development of what's now known as progressive rock.
• Heather Almond: An award-winning American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. She was a founding member of the pioneering country-rock band Hearts, and her songs have been covered by many artists including Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, and Joe Cocker.
• Marcus Almond: An English football player who played as a forward or winger for a variety of teams in the English Football League. He also played for the England U21 team.
• Tony Almond: A British concert pianist. He is known for his interpretations of Baroque music and Mozart, and has released seven albums and multiple singles.
• Sarah Almond: An American musical theatre actor and singer. She has starred in multiple shows on Broadway including “Mamma Mia”, “The Phantom of the Opera”, and “Miss Saigon”.
• John Malalas Almond: A Greek American planetary geologist and professor of civil engineering and geology at the California Institute of Technology. He was a leader in planetary science and served as a principal investigator for NASA's Viking and Voyager missions.

Other surnames

Almon