Bynum is a proper noun that typically refers to a surname of English origin. It is derived from the Old Norse personal name "Bjǫrn" which means "bear." The name "Bynum" might have originated as a patronymic surname, meaning it was originally given to someone who was the son of a man named Byn, or something similar.
As a surname, Bynum is particularly common in the United States, especially among African Americans. This prominence can be attributed to the famous African American mathematician and computer scientist, Euphemia Lofton Haynes, who was born Euphemia Lofton Bynum.
Bynum might also be used as a given name, though it is significantly rarer in this context. It can be used for both males and females. As a given name, Bynum signifies strength and reliability, which can be associated with the characteristics of a bear, an animal known for its power and resilience.
In contemporary usage, the term "Bynum" might also refer to the basketball player Andrew Bynum. This usage is more specific and often denotes the famous sports figure rather than the surname itself.
Overall, "Bynum" primarily refers to a surname of English origin, though it can also be used as a given name. It is associated with strength, reliability, and predominantly recognized in the United States among African Americans.
