Contents [hide]

Humphries History Early Origins Early History Spelling Variations Early Notables World Ranking

Ireland United States Canada Australia New Zealand

Contemporary Notables Historic Events Related Stories Motto Suggested Reading Citations

Humphries History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Wales
Ireland

The Humphries surname comes from the Old French personal name Humfrey, a cognate of the Old German names Hunfrid and Humfrid. This name was originally derived from the Germanic elements "hun," which means "bear cub," and "frid" or "fred," which mean "peace." It was borne by a 9th century saint and Bishop of Therouanne, who was popular among Norman settlers of England. 1

Early Origins of the Humphries family

The surname Humphries was first found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where early Latin forms of the name were first used: Hunfridus, Humfridus. 2

Many records at this time were a mixture of Latin and Old English. Humfridus was recorded in Suffolk in 1186-1188, but by the 13th century records were often in English, as seen by William Humfrey, who was recorded in Bedfordshire in 1240. William Humfray, Umfrey was found in the Assize Rolls for Staffordshire in 1293 and a few years later, Roger Houmfrey was recorded in 1311. 3

The name is "rarely found north of a line drawn from the Wash to the Dee. Humphrey is confined to the eastern half of the area, in Berks, Norfolk, Surrey, Sussex, etc. Humphreys characterizes the western half, being most numerous in North Wales, and after that in Shropshire, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, etc. Both are rare or absent in the four south-western counties." 4

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 had mixed entries for name as a forename and a surname in a wide variety of spellings: John Hunfray, Oxfordshire; Henry filius Umfridi, Oxfordshire; Peter Umfry, Oxfordshire; Umfrey le Gerische, Oxfordshire; and Richard Humfrey, Oxfordshire. 5

Early History of the Humphries family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Humphries research. Another 87 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1069, 1391, 1447, 1579, 1621, 1647, 1648, 1662, 1674, 1701, 1712, 1714, 1719, 1735 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Humphries History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Humphries Spelling Variations

Although there are comparatively few Welsh surnames, they have a great many spelling variations. Variations of Welsh names began almost immediately after their acceptance within Welsh society. In the Middle Ages, it was up to priests and the few other people that recorded names in official documents to decide how to spell the names that they heard. Variations that occurred because of improper recording increased dramatically as the names were later transliterated into English. The Brythonic Celtic language of Wales, known by natives as Cymraeg, featured many highly inflected sounds that could not be properly captured by the English language. Spelling variations were, however, also carried out according to an individual's design: a branch loyalty within the family, a religious adherence, or even patriotic affiliations were all indicated by the particular variation of one's name. The spelling variations of the name Humphries have included Humphreys, Homfray, Humfrey, Humfrie, Humfries, Humfreys, Humphereys, Humphries, Humphrays, Humphray, Humphrey, Humphris, Humphry, Humphryes and many more.

Early Notables of the Humphries family

Prominent amongst the family during the late Middle Ages was Humphrey (1391-1447), the son of King Henry IV, who was Duke of Gloucester and Earl of Pembroke, and also a patron of letters; Sir William Humphreys, Lord Mayor of London in 1714; William Humfrey (died 1579) English goldsmith and Assay Master to...
Another 52 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Humphries Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Humphries World Ranking

In the United States, the name Humphries is the 2,034^th most popular surname with an estimated 14,922 people with that name. 6 However, in Newfoundland, Canada, the name Humphries is ranked the 419^th most popular surname with an estimated 112 people with that name. 7 And in Australia, the name Humphries is the 650^th popular surname with an estimated 5,999 people with that name. 8 New Zealand ranks Humphries as 714^th with 1,002 people. 9 The United Kingdom ranks Humphries as 524^th with 12,551 people. 10

Migration of the Humphries family to Ireland

Some of the Humphries family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 57 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Humphries migration to the United States +

Many Welsh joined the great migrations to North America in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Like their Scottish and Irish neighbors, many Welsh families left their homeland hoping to find hope and prosperity in a land that the English did not exercise a tight rule over. Those Welsh immigrants that successfully traveled to North America went on to make significant contributions to the rapid development of both Canada and the United States in terms of the settling of land and the establishment of industry. They also added to the rich cultural heritage of both countries. An examination into the immigration and passenger lists has discovered a number of people bearing the name Humphries:

Humphries Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Edward and Blanche Humphries, who settled in Virginia in 1654
Abram Humphries, who landed in Virginia in 1665-1666 11
Eliz Humphries, who landed in Virginia in 1666 11
Thomas Humphries, who landed in Maryland in 1673 11
Janet Humphries, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1683 11

Humphries Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

John Humphries, who landed in New York in 1801 11
Moses Humphries, aged 17, who arrived in New York, NY in 1803 11
David Humphries, aged 52, who arrived in New Castle, Wilmington and Philadelphia in 1803 11
Alexander Humphries, aged 28, who arrived in New Jersey in 1812 11
Ellen Humphries, who arrived in New York in 1840 11
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Humphries migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Humphries Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

James Humphries, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1750

Humphries migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Humphries Settlers in Australia in the 18th Century

Mr. Patrick Humphries, (b. 1774), aged 19, Irish soldier who was convicted in Dublin, Ireland for 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the "Boddingtons" on 15th February 1793, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, he died in 1846 12

Humphries Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

John Humphries, English convict from Warwick, who was transported aboard the "Asia" on April 1st, 1822, settling in New South Wales, Australia 13
John Humphries, English convict from Bristol, who was transported aboard the "America" on April 4, 1829, settling in New South Wales, Australia 14
Mr. Enoch Humphries, British Convict who was convicted in Gloucester, Gloucestershire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Dunvegan Castle" on 13th March 1830, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 15
Mr. William Humphries, British Convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for life, transported aboard the "Dunvegan Castle" on 13th March 1830, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 15
Mr. William Humphries, British Convict who was convicted in Gloucester, Gloucestershire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Dunvegan Castle" on 13th March 1830, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 15
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Humphries migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Humphries Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Mr. John Humphries, Scottish settler travelling from Greenock aboard the ship "Philip Laing" arriving in Otago, South Island, New Zealand on 15th April 1848 16
Mr. E. Humphries, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Sir Edward Paget" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 19th December 1850 16
Mrs. Humphries, British settler with 5 children and 1 servant travelling from London aboard the ship "Sir Edward Paget" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 19th December 1850 16
Mr. James Humphries, British settler travelling from Portsmouth aboard the ship "Duke of Portland" arriving in Lyttelton, Canterbury, New Zealand on 13th October 1851 17
J. Humphries, American settler travelling from Honolulu aboard the ship "Tyrian" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 29th October 1851 16
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Humphries (post 1700) +

Barry Humphries AO CBE (1934-2023), born John Barry Humphries, Australian world renowned comedian, actor, author, satirist and drag artist, best known for writing and playing his stage and television characters Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Pattersonlin
Luke Humphries (b. 1995), nicknamed "Cool Hand Luke", an English professional darts player from Newbury, Berkshire, current World No. 1 and World Champion
Kaillie Humphries (b. 1985), née Simundson, Canadian-born, American bobsledder who representing Canada, the 2010 and 2014 Olympic champion, gold medalist at the 2022 Winter Olympics
Frederick Stephen Humphries (1935-2021), American academic and chemistry professor, President of Tennessee State University (1974 to 1985), and President of Florida A&M University (1985 to 2001)
William Stanley "Stan" Humphries (b. 1965), former professional American NFL football quarterback
Ralph Edward "Rusty" Humphries (b. 1965), American radio host, conservative political commentator, and songwriter
John Henry Humphries (1861-1933), Canadian-born, American Major League Baseball player who played from 1883 to 1884
Guy Earl Humphries Jr. (1923-2010), American jurist, Louisiana Ninth Judicial District Court Judge (1960-1981)
Madeleine Lauren "Carla" Humphries (b. 1988), American model and actress
Kris Humphries (b. 1985), American basketball player
... (Another 18 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Humphries family +

Senghenydd colliery

Mr. Francis Humphries (b. 1880), Welsh coal miner from Senghenydd, Caerphilly, Wales who was working at the Senghenydd colliery when there was an explosion on the 14th October 1913; he died
Mr. Idrisyn Humphries (b. 1882), Welsh coal miner from Senghenydd, Caerphilly, Wales who was working at the Senghenydd colliery when there was an explosion on the 14th October 1913; he died
Mr. John Philip Humphries (b. 1890), Welsh coal miner from Senghenydd, Caerphilly, Wales who was working at the Senghenydd colliery when there was an explosion on the 14th October 1913; he died
Mr. King Samuel Humphries (b. 1867), Welsh coal miner from Senghenydd, Caerphilly, Wales who was working at the Senghenydd colliery when there was an explosion on the 14th October 1913; he died

SS Caribou

Mr. Charle Humphries (b. 1908), Newfoundland crew member from Channel-Port aux Basques, Newfoundland and Labrador was travelling aboard the railway ferry "SS Caribou" when it was struck by a German submarine torpedo on 14th October 1942, the most significant sinking in Canadian waters at that time, he died in the sinking

The Humphries Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: L'homme vrai aime son pays
Motto Translation: The true man loves his country.

Citations +

Dixon, Bernard Homer, Surnames. London: John Wilson and son, 1857. Print
Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Guppy, Henry Brougham, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain. 1890. Print.
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
The order of Common Surnames in 1955 in Newfoundland retrieved on 20th October 2021 (retrieved from Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland by E.R. Seary corrected edition ISBN 0-7735-1782-0)
"Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
"UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 25th October 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/boddingtons
State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2016, October 27) Asia 1 voyage to Van Diemen's Land, Australia in 1822 with 190 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/asia/1822
State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2014, November 26) America voyage to New South Wales, Australia in 1829 with 176 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/america/1829
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 12th August 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/dunvegan-castle
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 26th March 2019). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html