An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Mumme

by Friedrich Kluge

Mumme (1.), f., ‘mum (kind of beer),’ ModHG. only, whence Du. nom, E. mum. The word is usually derived from Christian Mumme of Brunswick, who first brewed this beer in the year 1492.

Mumme (2.), f., ‘mask, masked person, disguise,’ first occurs in early ModHG.; comp. Du. mom, ‘mask, mummery,’ E. to mumm, to which is allied OFr. momer, ‘to masquerade,’ ModFr. momerie, ‘mummery’; they are probably connected with an old verbal stem, mum, ‘to buzz, growl.’ Comp. Du. mommelen, ‘to mumble, grumble,’ MidE. mummen, ‘to roar,’ E. to mumble, ModHG. mummeln.