DUNHAM
Dunham
Dunham is a prominent British surname with origins that can be traced back to the Anglo-Saxon period. The name is locational, deriving from several villages in England such as Dunham Massey in Cheshire, Dunham on Trent in Nottinghamshire, and Dunham Town in Norfolk. These places were typically named after the Old English words "dun", meaning hill, and "ham", meaning settlement.
The Dunham surname is widely distributed across the United Kingdom, with concentrations in the historic counties of Cheshire, Norfolk, and Lancashire. It is also common in regions settled by Anglo-Saxon and Viking communities, such as Yorkshire and the East Midlands.
Historically, individuals bearing the surname Dunham were often of noble or landed gentry status, holding positions of influence within their local communities. The name can be found in records dating back several centuries, indicating a long-standing presence in British society.
In contemporary times, the Dunham surname continues to be borne by individuals of diverse backgrounds and professions, reflecting the evolution of British society. The name may also have spread to other English-speaking countries through migration and settlement.
Variants of the Dunham surname include Dounham, Dunnam, and Dunhum, among others. Genealogical research and DNA analysis have provided valuable insights into the origins and migrations of individuals bearing the Dunham surname, contributing to our understanding of British history and heritage.
There are approximately 2,253 people named Dunham in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,811th most common surname in Britain. Around 35 in a million people in Britain are named Dunham.
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
- Dean
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
Female
- Anne
- Carol
- Claire
- Emma
- Helen
- Jacqueline
- Joanne
- Julie
- Margaret
- Patricia
- Samantha
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.