A surname of English origin, also historically an occupational name for someone who served legal summons. May refer to various notable people with this surname.
From Middle English 'sompnour,' meaning 'summoner,' an official who served legal writs and summons. Related to 'summon' from Latin 'summonere' (to hint, suggest secretly). The occupational surname reflected an important legal role in medieval society.
Charles Sumner, the 19th-century senator, was literally beaten unconscious on the Senate floor for his anti-slavery speeches—an event that helped precipitate the Civil War. The irony of a surname meaning 'one who summons' belonging to someone who summoned the nation's conscience on slavery is quite remarkable!
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