Lum is an English surname with multiple origins. One origin is toponymic, referring to someone who lived near or came from a place called Lumb in England. The name Lumb likely derives from Old English lum meaning "pool" or "pond", so the surname originally denoted a dweller by a pool. In this sense, Lum is a variant surname alongside forms like Limb, Lumb, and Lumm.
Another origin is as a Chinese surname, specifically the Cantonese romanization of the surname 林 (Lam in Cantonese, meaning "forest"). This form is common among Chinese diaspora communities in English-speaking countries.
According to the 2010 United States Census, Lum is the 4406th most common surname in the United States, with 8060 bearers. It is most common among Asian/Pacific Islander individuals (61.94%), reflecting the significant Chinese-American population with this surname, followed by White (23.97%) and other groups.
Notable bearers of the surname include Antoinette C. Lum (1994–), New Zealand netball player; Joel Lum (1995–), Hong Kong professional footballer; and Rayson Lum (1967–), Hong Kong rugby union player/coach.
- Meaning: "pool" (Old English) or "forest" (Chinese)
- Origin: English (toponymic); Chinese (Cantonese romanization)
- Type: Surname
- Regions: England, United States, China, Hong Kong
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Sources: Wiktionary — Lum