This interesting surname has a number of possible origins. Firstly, it may derive from "Rumun" an old Norse personal name, and the suffix "-ing" meaning sons of, or descendants of. This view seems confirmed by the fact that it is found early on the East Coast. It may also be a locational name from Rome, with the "-ing" referring to people of; hence "people of Rome", or a nickname for someone who had some connection with Rome, as for example having been there on pilgrimage. The change from "Rome" to "Rum" shows a shortening of the vowel. The surname is first recorded in the latter half of the 13th Century, (see below). John Rumming married Elizabeth Usburn, on September 8th 1687, in Tonbridge, Kent. On May 23rd 1773, Mary Ann, daughter of John and Mary Rumming, was christened at St. Luke's, was christened on October 25th 1795, at St. Botolph without Aldergate, London. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of John Rumin, which was dated 1273, The Hundred Rolls of Lincolnshire, during the reign of King Edward 1, "The Hammer of the Scots", 1272 - 1307. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.