Stumme Surname
Many German surnames are derived from words describing an occupation or trade. Others may be an attribute of the person, such as brave, bold, meek, etc.
The Stumme surname may have been derived from the German adjective "stumm," which according to Langenscheidt's Universal German Dictionary means dumb (can't speak), or mute. Fortunately the German language has another adjective "dumm" which means stupid. So we cand find some comfort in that our name probably was not chosen because of that unenviable trait.
Perhaps one of our early ancestors was a quiet man, or one of very few words, earning him the Stumme moniker.
Our name is also subject to a variety of pronunciations. In the Midwest many make it rhyme with tummy. While others give it a German sounding "shtooma." Still others clearly pronounce it "stew me."
It would be interesting to learn if there are other pronunciations, and whether or not these variations are unique to a locality.
FES
The Stumme surname may have been derived from the German adjective "stumm," which according to Langenscheidt's Universal German Dictionary means dumb (can't speak), or mute. Fortunately the German language has another adjective "dumm" which means stupid. So we cand find some comfort in that our name probably was not chosen because of that unenviable trait.
Perhaps one of our early ancestors was a quiet man, or one of very few words, earning him the Stumme moniker.
Our name is also subject to a variety of pronunciations. In the Midwest many make it rhyme with tummy. While others give it a German sounding "shtooma." Still others clearly pronounce it "stew me."
It would be interesting to learn if there are other pronunciations, and whether or not these variations are unique to a locality.
FES
