Surname Plumb - Meaning and Origin
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Plumb: What does the surname Plumb mean?
The surname Plumb is of English origin and is derived from the occupation of a plumber. The name comes from the Old French word "plomb" which means lead. In the Middle Ages, plumbers were workers in lead who crafted items such as pipe systems and stained glass. The plumber’s main task was to install and repair water systems, hence handling a lot of lead, since pipes were primarily made from this material during those times. The last name Plumb might have been used to describe or identify individuals who worked in this profession. It is important to note that occupational surnames like Plumb were only passed down when the son followed the father in the same line of work. Apart from its occupational origin, in some cases, it may also have been a topographic name for someone who lived by a plum tree.
Order DNA origin analysisPlumb: Where does the name Plumb come from?
The last name Plumb is particularly common in the United States, especially in the central Midwest. It is most concentrated in the states of Iowa, Wisconsin, and Nebraska, though it is also seen to a lesser extent in the surrounding states. It is also commonly found in the United Kingdom, especially in England, but is not as widespread as in the United States.
The name Plumb was rooted in the Old English language, and it referenced the word referring to the tree. It was initially a job title of those that collected plums or worked with them. It used to be spelled Plem and also Plombe in Old English, but the modern spelling emerged in the late 17th century. The name has traditionally been used as a nickname, sometimes as Plum or Plumber, in the United States.
The Plumb name is still seen in many areas, though it appears in various forms, often with different spellings and pronunciations. It has origins in other countries, such as Hungary, Germany, and Ireland, though the United States and England remain the main countries with a strong presence of the name. It has also been seen as Plum, Plume, and Plummer, among others, indicating that the Plumb surname has had a long history and has been symbolic of naturally occurring objects and symbols, both current and past.
Variations of the surname Plumb
The surname Plumb can have different variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. The following are some of the most common variations:
Plum: This spelling can be found in the United Kingdom, Germany, United States, Canada, and other countries.
Plume: This spelling is mainly found in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Plumbe: This spelling is mainly found in Britain, Ireland, and Australia.
Plumbere: This spelling is commonly found in the United States and Canada.
Plomm: This spelling is mainly found in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Plumbes: This spelling is mainly found in France and other French-speaking countries.
Pflüm: This spelling is mainly found in Germany and Austria.
Plüm: This spelling is mainly found in Switzerland.
Plim: This spelling is mainly found in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Ploum: This spelling is mainly found in France
Plomb: This spelling is mainly found in Spain, Portugal, and other Spanish-speaking countries.
Plumba: This spelling is mainly found in Italy and other Italian-speaking countries.
Plumban: This spelling is mainly found in Eastern Europe.
Plym: This spelling is mainly found in Wales and the Welsh-speaking countries.
Plümm: This spelling is mainly found in Germany and Austria.
Ploumb: This spelling is mainly found in France.
Plummn: This spelling is mainly found in the United States and Canada.
Finally, there are related names that have the same meaning or origin. For example, Plumbkin, Plummett, Plummer, Plumbutt, Plumbridge, and Plumbfield are all related surnames.
Famous people with the name Plumb
- Bob Plumb: a Canadian professional ice hockey defenseman who played from 1983-1989
- Marjorie Plumb: a Canadian novelist and short story writer
- Sylvia Plumb: an English-born American silent film actress
- Christopher Plumb: an English actor, known for his roles in The Bill and Heartbeat
- William Plumb: an English painter who specialized in still life and landscapes
- Francis Plumb: an English politician and Member of Parliament (MP) from 1881–1892
- Brian Plumb: a former English football manager
- Peter Plumb: an English former professional footballer
- Edythe Plumb: a New Zealand artist, singer and actress
- Arthur Plumb: an English opera singer
- Gill Plumb: a Britishborn Canadian playwright, producer and director
- Rupert Plumb: an English geologist, specializing in geomorphology
- James Plumb: an American visual artist and designer
- Miranda Plumb: an English model and beauty pageant contestant
- Victoria Plumb: an English fashion designer and entrepreneur
- Clarence Plumb: an American electrical engineer, inventor, and manufacturer
- Robert Plumb: an American architect, designer and artist