DOWNHAM
Downham
Downham is a British surname with origins tracing back to the Anglo-Saxon period of England. The name is of locational origin, derived from several villages across England called Downham. These villages are generally found in the counties of Norfolk, Lancashire, and Cambridgeshire.
The etymology of the surname 'Downham' comes from the Old English words "dūn" meaning hill and "hām" meaning homestead or village. Therefore, the surname is believed to denote someone who dwelled at or near a village situated by a hill.
The Downham surname has been documented in historical records dating back centuries, with notable individuals bearing the name found in various regions of England. Over time, the surname has likely evolved in spelling and pronunciation.
Today, individuals with the surname Downham can be found across the United Kingdom and beyond, reflecting the movement and dispersal of families over the years. Researching the genealogy and history of the Downham surname can provide insights into the family's roots, migrations, and connections to different parts of England.
There are approximately 1,391 people named Downham in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,696th most common surname in Britain. Around 21 in a million people in Britain are named Downham.
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
- Christopher
- David
- Edward
- James
- John
- Matthew
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Stephen
Female
- Carol
- Elizabeth
- Gillian
- Helen
- Jacqueline
- Karen
- Louise
- Lynda
- Margaret
- Mary
- Michelle
- Patricia
- Paula
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.