Sumpter
A boy's name of Old French origin with 49 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
A surname originating as an occupation.
Sumpter is a boy's baby name of Old French origin, from the occupational surname referring to a sumpter — a person who drove a packhorse. The word traces to the Old French sommetier, meaning a driver of pack animals.
Sumpter has the sturdy, working-class heritage of English occupational surnames that made the leap to given names. Fort Sumter, the Civil War landmark, gives it an American historical resonance as well.
EtymologyShow more
In the American context, Sumpter is a boy's name with several decades of recorded use (1892–1953). Its Old French roots connect it to a broader naming tradition, but in practice, American usage often reshapes names — adding nicknames, shifting pronunciation, and building new associations that diverge from the original cultural context.
With 49 total births, Sumpter exists at the edges of the American naming landscape — a name known primarily to the families who carry it, giving it an intensely personal character.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Sumpter has 8+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1892.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1950s | 5 | #4280 | ▼ |
| 1930s | 9 | #2850 | ▼ |
| 1920s | 18 | #4182 | ▲ |
| 1910s | 7 | #3471 | ▼ |
| 1890s | 10 | #1230 | — |
The Story of Sumpter
A Silent Generation name
Peaking in 1931, Sumpter is an elegant vintage name. Boys named Sumpter are most likely born between 1921 and 1941.
How rare is Sumpter?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Sumpter is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1892, grew steadily over the decades, peaked in the 1920s with 18 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Sumpter by the numbers
- Would fill 1 school bus
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(8 years, 1892–1953)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1953 | 5 | #4280 |
| 1931 | 9 | #2850 |
| 1926 | 6 | #4134 |
| 1925 | 6 | #4142 |
| 1921 | 6 | #4270 |
| 1916 | 7 | #3471 |
| 1895 | 5 | #1222 |
| 1892 | 5 | #1237 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sumpter a boy's or girl's name?
When was Sumpter most popular?
How popular is the name Sumpter?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1892–1953