BURNHAM
Burnham
Origin of the Name: Burnham is a surname of Old English origin, derived from the place name "Burnham." The name is a toponymic surname, indicating that its bearers originally hailed from a locale named Burnham. Various places in England bear the name Burnham, with the common element "burn" referring to a stream or small river.
Notable Bearers:
- Edward Burnham (1916-2015): A British actor known for his work in stage, television, and film productions.
- Sir John Burnham (1870-1958): A British newspaper magnate, owner of The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Telegraph.
- Jessica Burnham (b. 1985): An accomplished British artist specializing in abstract painting.
Distribution: As a toponymic surname tied to specific place names in England, Burnham is most prevalent in regions where these locations are found, such as Norfolk, Buckinghamshire, and Essex. Over time, the surname has spread beyond these original areas.
Coat of Arms: The Burnham family may have a coat of arms associated with the surname, typically granted to an individual as part of heraldic tradition. The design and symbols on the coat of arms can vary depending on the specific family branch and its history.
Historical Significance: The Burnham surname's historical significance lies in its ties to the various individuals who bore the name and made contributions to different fields such as literature, arts, business, and more. By examining the history and achievements of notable bearers, one can gain a deeper understanding of the impact and legacy of the Burnham surname in British society.
References:
- Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (2011). A Dictionary of English Surnames.
- Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland.
This entry provides an overview of the Burnham surname, its origin, notable bearers, distribution, coat of arms, historical significance, and references for further study.
There are approximately 4,487 people named Burnham in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,092nd most common surname in Britain. Around 69 in a million people in Britain are named Burnham.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Anthony
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
Female
- Anne
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Jane
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Rachel
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.