Cottam

Cottam is a surname of English origin that is believed to have derived from a locational name. It is thought to have originated from various places in England, such as Cottam in Lancashire and Yorkshire, Cottingham in the East Riding of Yorkshire, and Cottenham in Cambridgeshire.

The name "Cottam" is derived from the Old English words "cot," meaning cottage, and "ham," meaning homestead or village. Therefore, the name likely referred to someone who lived near or worked in a cottage.

The surname Cottam has been recorded in English historical documents dating back to the medieval period. Throughout history, individuals bearing the surname Cottam have been associated with various occupations and activities typical of rural life, such as farming, agriculture, and land maintenance.

The distribution of the Cottam surname in the United Kingdom is found predominantly in the counties of Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Cambridgeshire, where the aforementioned locations associated with the name are situated.

Notable individuals with the surname Cottam have made significant contributions in various fields, including academia, literature, and the arts. The name continues to be present in contemporary British society, reflecting the rich history and heritage associated with this English surname.

There are approximately 3,750 people named Cottam in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,480th most common surname in Britain. Around 58 in a million people in Britain are named Cottam.

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
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Stephen
  • William

Female

  • Dorothy
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Jane
  • Janet
  • Jennifer
  • Joanne
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Pauline
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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