Somers (surname)

Somers is a surname with multiple possible origins, found primarily in English-speaking countries. It may be topographic, occupational, or locational in origin.

• Topographic Origin: The name may derive from the Old English word "sumor," meaning "summer." As a topographic name, it could have been used for someone who lived in a place that was particularly pleasant or fertile during the summer months.

• Occupational Origin: In some instances, Somers may have originated as an occupational name. It could be associated with someone who was responsible for caring for or managing livestock during the summer season, though this origin is less common.

• Locational Origin: The surname may also originate from place names containing the element "sumor." This is particularly relevant in the context of Somerset in England. Individuals migrating from a place called Somers or Somerset may have adopted the name as a way to identify their origin.

Variants of the name include Summers, Sommer, Sommerfeld, and Sommerville, among others. Spelling variations are common due to historical variations in orthography.

The distribution of the surname is most frequent in the United Kingdom, particularly in England, followed by the United States, Canada, and Australia.