Humphreys is an English surname derived from the given name Humphrey, to which the patronymic suffix -s (meaning “son of”) has been appended. The name Humphrey itself comes from the Old Germanic elements hun (bear cub) and fridu (peace). Introduced to England by the Normans after the Conquest of 1066, the name supplanted the Old English cognate Hunfrith and was widely used throughout the Middle Ages. Etymology Like many English surnames, Humphreys originated as a patronymic, signaling descent from a man named Humphrey. The suffix through a son. Variant Forms Spellings such as Humphrey, Humphries, and Humpherys appear in historical records from the 13th century onward. Distribution According to the 2010 United States Census, Humphreys ranks as the 2593rd most common surname nationally, with 13,895 bearers, predominantly of White (90.53%) background. The name also identifies a village in Sullivan County, Missouri, and appears in place names such as Humphreys County and Humphreys Peak in Arizona. Notable Bearers American actor Humphrey Bogart (1899–1957) prominently displayed the root given name beyond the surname's reach. Contemporary bearers include public figures in politics and arts across the United Kingdom. Related forms like Humphries also remain common. Meaning: Son of Humphrey (derived from elements meaning “bear cub” + “peace”) Origin: English (Norman introduced) Type: Patronymic surname Regions: English-speaking world, especially United States and United Kingdom