Sumter
A boy's name of Old English origin with 29 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
If you're considering Sumter, you're looking at a name that fewer than 29 families have ever chosen in the U.S. That kind of rarity is intentional — it signals that the name was chosen for its sound, its personal meaning, or a family connection rather than a trend.
The active, energetic ending gives Sumter a direct, strong feel that works well in both playground and boardroom.
Sumter is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Sumter is a boy's baby name of English origin, functioning primarily as a transferred surname. It is most recognizable as the name of Fort Sumter in South Carolina, where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired in 1861 — making it a name with significant historical resonance for American families.
Surname-to-first-name transfers have a long tradition in American naming, particularly in Southern states where place names and family surnames carry deep ancestral significance. Sumter has a rugged, substantive sound — two clear syllables with a strong finish — that fits comfortably alongside names like Tucker, Hunter, and Carter.
EtymologyShow more
In the American context, Sumter is a boy's name with a focused stretch of recorded use (1916–1933). Its Old English 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 29 total births, Sumter 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
Sumter has 5+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1916.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1930s | 6 | #3597 | ▼ |
| 1920s | 10 | #4769 | ▼ |
| 1910s | 13 | #3902 | — |
The Story of Sumter
A Greatest Generation name
Peaking in 1919, Sumter is a name steeped in history. Boys named Sumter are most likely born between 1916 and 1929.
How rare is Sumter?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Sumter is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1916, peaked in the 1910s with 13 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(5 years, 1916–1933)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1933 | 6 | #3597 |
| 1927 | 5 | #4726 |
| 1923 | 5 | #4811 |
| 1919 | 8 | #3357 |
| 1916 | 5 | #4447 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sumter a boy's or girl's name?
When was Sumter most popular?
How popular is the name Sumter?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1916–1933