Denham

Denham is a British surname of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from a locational name that refers to several places in England, such as Denham in Buckinghamshire, Denham in Suffolk, and Denham in Cambridgeshire. These place names are believed to come from the Old English words "denu" (valley) and "ham" (homestead), indicating that the original bearers of the surname might have been associated with or resided in these areas.

The Denham surname has ancient roots in England and has been documented in historical records dating back to the Middle Ages. The name has undergone various spelling variations over the centuries, including Denam, Denholm, and Denharm.

Individuals bearing the surname Denham have made notable contributions to various fields, including literature, politics, and the arts. One of the most famous bearers of the surname is Sir John Denham (1615-1669), a prominent poet and architect known for his literary works and his role in the reconstruction of London after the Great Fire of 1666.

The Denham surname continues to be found primarily in the United Kingdom, with significant populations in England and Scotland. Over time, some bearers of the surname have migrated to other English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Today, the surname Denham carries a sense of heritage and connection to the history of England, reflecting the enduring influence of locational surnames in British culture.

There are approximately 4,748 people named Denham in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,982nd most common surname in Britain. Around 73 in a million people in Britain are named Denham.

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
  • Peter
  • Robert

Female

  • Carolyn
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Gillian
  • Jean
  • Julie
  • Lisa
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Wendy

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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