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Show ContentsSummers History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
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Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

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Summers is an ancient Anglo-Saxon name that is derived from the baptismal name for the son of Summer, a personal name given to a child who was born in the summer. 1

Looking at the surname and many of its variants over the past couple of hundred years, one can only presume that this is the logical and only explanation for the surname's origin. However, let's explore some contrarian explanations. The name could have been derived from "De Someri, a baronial family. Ralph de Summeri of Normandy temp. John. From Sommeri, near Rouen. " 2

The name could have been derived from the "personal-name Sumor but there is no evidence from the use of such a person named in the Domesday Book or later." 3

This noted author continues "the surname is probably identical with the Scottish "Simmer." In Scots, somer is 'a sumpter,' [(packhorse, mule, beast of burden)]applied to men and horses alike." 3 We shall leave the reader with the perplexing conundrum.

Early Origins of the Summers family

The surname Summers was first found in Worcestershire they trace their ancestry to the manor of Whiteladies.

One of the earliest records of the family was John Somer, Semur, Somerarius (fl. 1380), "Minorite astronomer, belonged to the Franciscan house at Bridgewater, and was probably at Oxford in 1380. " 4

One of the more interesting family members was William Sommers (died 1560), who is said to have been Henry VIII's fool and a native of Shropshire and "at one time a servant in the household of Richard Fermorq of Easton Neston, Northamptonshire. Brought by his master to the court at Greenwich, 'on a holy day,' about 1525, the king is reported to have noticed favourably his witty sallies and to have installed him at once in the royal household as the court fool. According to tradition, Sommers was soon on very familiar terms with the king. He puzzled him with foolish riddles, and amused him by playing practical jokes on Cardinal Wolsey. " 4

Early History of the Summers family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Summers research. Another 149 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1440, 1554, 1560, 1603, 1610, 1651, 1690, 1697, 1716, 1759, 1791, 1824 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Summers History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Summers Spelling Variations

Summers has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Summers have been found, including Somers, Sommers, Summers, Sommer, Summer, Somerton, Sommerton, Sumpton, Sumption and many more.

Early Notables of the Summers family

Distinguished members of the family include Henry Somer (fl. 1440), Chancellor of the Exchequer, probably a relative of John Somer, Clerk of the Exchequer in the early years of Henry IV; and William 'Will' Sommers (or Somers) (died 1560), the best-known court jester of Henry VIII of England from Shropshire.Admiral Sir George...
Another 52 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Summers Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Summers World Ranking

In the United States, the name Summers is the 499th most popular surname with an estimated 57,201 people with that name. 5 However, in Newfoundland, Canada, the name Summers is ranked the 729th most popular surname with an estimated 59 people with that name. 6 And in Australia, the name Summers is the 605th popular surname with an estimated 6,488 people with that name. 7 The United Kingdom ranks Summers as 492nd with 13,115 people. 8

Ireland Migration of the Summers family to Ireland

Some of the Summers family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 136 words (10 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

United States Summers migration to the United States +

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Summerss to arrive on North American shores:

Summers Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • Alex Summers, who landed in Virginia in 1638 9
  • Roger Summers, who landed in Maryland in 1665 9
  • Edw Summers, who arrived in Virginia in 1666 9
  • Mary Summers, who arrived in Maryland in 1669 9
  • Ann Summers, who arrived in Maryland in 1674 9
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Summers Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Richard Summers, who arrived in Virginia in 1703 9
  • Henry Summers, who landed in New England in 1714 9
  • Jacob Summers, who landed in North Carolina in 1764 9
  • Bartholomew Summers, aged 27, who arrived in New York in 1774 9
  • Jannet Summers, aged 32, who arrived in New York in 1775 9
Summers Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Samuel S Summers, who arrived in New York in 1800 9
  • Peter Summers, aged 26, who landed in New York in 1812 9
  • William Thomas Summers, who arrived in Virginia in 1836 9
  • John D Summers, who arrived in Mississippi in 1838 9
  • James Summers, who arrived in San Francisco, California in 1850 9
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Canada Summers migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Summers Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • Mr. Paul Summers U.E. who arrived at Port Roseway, [Shelbourne], Nova Scotia on October 26, 1783 was passenger number 168 aboard the ship "HMS Clinton", picked up on September 28, 1783 at Staten Island, New York, USA 10
  • Mr. Andrew Summers U.E. who settled in Charlottenburgh Township [South Glengarry], Ontario c. 1786 he served in the Royal Regiment of New York 10
  • Mr. Jacob Summers U.E. who settled in Charlottenburgh Township [South Glengarry], Ontario c. 1786 he served in the Royal Regiment of New York 10
Summers Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • Bridget Summers, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1821
  • Benjamin Summers, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1829
  • Martin Summers, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1841

Australia Summers migration to Australia +

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

Summers Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Mr. Thomas Summers, English convict who was convicted in Sussex, England for life, transported aboard the "Atlas" on 16th January 1816, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 11
  • Mr. John Summers, English convict who was convicted in Gloucestershire, England for 10 years, transported aboard the "Augusta Jessie" on 10th August 1838, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 12
  • Mr. Stephen Summers, English convict who was convicted in Essex, England for 10 years, transported aboard the "Barossa" on 8th December 1839, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 13
  • Sarah Summers, aged 29, who arrived in South Australia in 1849 aboard the ship "Trafalgar" 14
  • Samuel Summers, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Anna Maria" in 1849 15
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

New Zealand Summers 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:

Summers Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • Mr Summers, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1841 aboard the ship Clydeside
  • Andrew Summers, aged 22, a baker, who arrived in Otago aboard the ship "Mariner" in 1849
  • Jessie Summers, aged 22, who arrived in Otago aboard the ship "Mariner" in 1849
  • Mr. William Summers, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Mary Ann" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 24th September 1858 16
  • Miss Susan Summers, (b. 1835), aged 23, Scottish domestic servant from Scotland travelling from Gravesend aboard the ship "Zealandia" arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 21st September 1858 17
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Summers (post 1700) +

  • Anita Arrow Summers (1925-2023), American educator of public policy, management, real estate and education and was Professor Emerita at the University of Pennsylvania
  • Gene Summers (1939-2021), born David Eugene Summers, an American rock singer, known for Gene Summers & The Tom Toms
  • John William Summers (1870-1937), U.S. Representative from Washington, father of Hope Summers, the actress
  • Hope Summers (1896-1979), born Sarah Hope Summers, an American character actress, best known for her role as Clara Edwards on CBS's The Andy Griffith Show and MayBerry RFD
  • George William Summers (1804-1868), American lawyer and politician, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia (1841-1843)
  • Oron Edgar Summers (1884-1953), nicknamed "Kickapoo Ed", American right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who played from 1908 to 1912
  • John Junior "Champ" Summers (1946-2012), American Major League Baseball player
  • William Ray "Bill" Summers (1935-2011), American car builder who with his brother Bob designed and built the Goldenrod, which held the wheel-driven land speed record from 1965 to 1991
  • Robert Summers (1922-2012), U.S. economist and professor emeritus, University of Pennsylvania
  • William Reed "Bill" Summers (1895-1966), American Major League Baseball umpire who worked in the American League from 1933 to 1959
  • ... (Another 17 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Empress of Ireland
  • Mr. John Summers (d. 1914), British Greaser from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 18
HMS Prince of Wales
  • Mr. Henry Whitelaw Summers, British Marine, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking 19
USS Arizona
  • Mr. Glen Allen Summers, American Yeoman First Class from Washington, USA working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he died in the sinking 20
  • Mr. Harold Edgar Summers, American Signalman Second Class from Ohio, USA working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he died in the sinking 20

Suggested Readings for the name Summers +

  • Carolina Summers by Mildred J. Miller.
  • The Sommer, Sommers, Somers and Summers that Missed the Boat by William Clark Summers.
  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
  3. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  4. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
  5. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  6. 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)
  7. "Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
  8. "UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
  9. 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)
  10. Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
  11. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 14th July 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/atlas
  12. Convict Records of Australia. Retrieved 23rd August 2020 from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/augusta-jessie
  13. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 24th September 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/barossa
  14. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) The TRAFALGAR 1849. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1849Trafalgar.htm
  15. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) The ANNA MARIA 1849. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1849AnnaMaria.htm
  16. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  17. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 26th March 2019). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  18. Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 17) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html
  19. HMS Prince of Wales Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listprincecrew.html
  20. Pearl Harbour: USS Arizona Casualties List Pearl Harbour December 7, 1941. (Retrieved 2018, July 31st). Retrieved from http://pearl-harbor.com/arizona/casualtylist.html
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