Meaning & History
Recorded in several forms including Pim, Pimm, Pimme, Pym, and Pymm, this is a surname which at various times has been prominent in the history of England. The name itself is of medieval English (Anglo-Saxon) origin. It derives from the medieval female given name, 'Pymme/Pymma' (from ‘Phemie’) which is a shortened/nickname or pet form of ‘εϋφημα’ (Euphemia/Eufemia), a Greek name, introduced into Europe by the returning Crusaders of the 11th century. The surname Pym referred to the son of Euphemia which belongs to the category of patronymic surnames. Composed of the elements 'EU', meaning 'well', and 'phone' meaning ‘to speak’, the name was adopted by Christians, who used it in the sense of 'praise God' or 'good repute’ (well-spoken-of or to speak well of). This Greek word is found at Philippians 4:8 (strong’s No: 2163 - Well spoken of, i.e reputable - of Good report)