Show ContentsPime History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The earliest origins of the name Pime date back to the time of the Anglo-Saxons. The name is derived from the name Euphemia where it is a short form of that name. The surname Pime originally derived from the Old English word Pymma which came from Euphemia. The surname Pime referred to the son of Euphemia which belongs to the category of patronymic surnames. 1

Early Origins of the Pime family

The surname Pime was first found in Somerset where the family can be "traced to Philip Pym, of Brymmore, 12 Edward IV." 2 Indeed, there is much debate about the origin of this name. Another reference claims "considering that Eufemia is fairly common in the Hundredorum Rolls, that Pimme is feminine, and Phemie is still the nickname, it all but certain that we have here the solution of the name in question. Personally I have no doubt that this derivation is correct. " 1

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 lists the following: Eufemmia de Neville in Lincolnshire; Katerina Eufemme in Norfolk; Pimme, widow of Peter Seman in Cumberland; Bartholomew filius Pimme in Hunts; Chun Pimme in Cambridge and finally, Henry Pimme in Cambridge. Later the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379, list Agnes Pyme and Johannes Pymson. 3

In Somerset, Roger Pym was listed there 1 Edward III (during the first year of the reign of King Edward III) 4 "The family of John Pym, the regicide, were of respectable antiquity in Somersetshire, being traced to Philip Pym, of Brymmore, co. Somerset, 12. Edward IV. " 2

Early History of the Pime family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Pime research. Another 130 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1400, 1440, 1584, 1615, 1641, 1643, 1648, 1660, 1663 and 1671 are included under the topic Early Pime History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Pime Spelling Variations

Until quite recently, the English language has lacked a definite system of spelling rules. Consequently, Anglo-Saxon surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. Changes in Anglo-Saxon names were influenced by the evolution of the English language, as it incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other languages. Although Medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, so it is common to find one person referred to by several different spellings of his surname, even the most literate people varied the spelling of their own names. Variations of the name Pime include Pym, Pymm, Pyme, Pymme, Pim, Pimm, Pimme and others.

Early Notables of the Pime family

Distinguished members of the family include John Pym (1584-1643), English statesman from Bridgwater, Somerset who moved for the impeachment of advisers to Charles I; his actions led to the English Civil War; and Sir...
Another 33 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Pime Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Pime family to Ireland

Some of the Pime family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Pime family

Searching for a better life, many English families migrated to British colonies. Unfortunately, the majority of them traveled under extremely harsh conditions: overcrowding on the ships caused the majority of the immigrants to arrive diseased, famished, and destitute from the long journey across the ocean. For those families that arrived safely, modest prosperity was attainable, and many went on to make invaluable contributions to the development of the cultures of the new colonies. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Pime or a variant listed above: Henry Pym, who settled in Barbados in 1668; Mary Pym, who settled in Virginia in 1673; Richard Pymm, who settled in Barbados in 1667; Charles Pym, who arrived in New England in 1715.



  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
  3. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  4. Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.


Houseofnames.com on Facebook