Show ContentsPymme History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The rich and ancient history of the Pymme family name dates back to the time of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It comes from the name Euphemia where it is a short form of that name. The surname Pymme originally derived from the Old English word Pymma which came from Euphemia. The surname Pymme referred to the son of Euphemia which belongs to the category of patronymic surnames. 1

Early Origins of the Pymme family

The surname Pymme 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 Pymme family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Pymme 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 Pymme History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Pymme Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Pymme have been found, including Pym, Pymm, Pyme, Pymme, Pim, Pimm, Pimme and others.

Early Notables of the Pymme 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 Pymme Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Pymme family to Ireland

Some of the Pymme 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 Pymme family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Among the first immigrants of the name Pymme, or a variant listed above to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were : 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.


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