Gump is a surname of German origin. The name likely derives from a nickname based on Middle High German gumpen, meaning "to hop, to jump". This type of nickname might have been given to a lively or agile person, or perhaps someone who worked as a dancer or jumper.Popular CultureThis surname gained widespread recognition through the character Forrest Gump, the fictional hero of Winston Groom's 1986 novel Forrest Gump. The character became an international cultural icon after the 1994 film adaptation starring Tom Hanks, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. Groom intentionally chose the surname Gump for its simple, folksy sound, which matches the protagonist's unassuming nature.DistributionAccording to the 2010 United States Census, the surname Gump ranked 12,584th in frequency, with 2,460 bearers in the US. The vast majority of them identify as White (94.43%).Meaning: Possibly "to hop, to jump" (Middle High German)Origin: GermanType: Nickname surnameUsage: German, Popular Culture