Gorham

Origin: Gorham is an English surname believed to have its origin in the pre-7th century Anglo-Saxon period. It is derived from the Old English personal name 'Gor' combined with the common suffix 'ham' which means homestead or village. Therefore, the name Gorham likely referred to someone who lived at or near a homestead owned by a person named Gor.

Variants: Variants of the surname Gorham include Gorum, Gorumbe, Gorrum, and Gorm.

Distribution: The Gorham surname is fairly rare and is mainly found in southern England, particularly in the counties of Kent and Sussex.

Notable People:

  • George Gorham (1787–1857): A Church of England clergyman and controversial theologian.
  • William Gorham (1835–1916): A British sculptor known for his works displayed in numerous public spaces across the UK.
  • John Ellard Gorham (1905–1989): An eminent British physical chemist who made substantial contributions to the field.

Coat of Arms: The Gorham family Coat of Arms features a silver field with three black goats' heads along with a chevron and three rings. This emblem represents strength, wisdom, and enduring legacy, common themes associated with the Gorham family.

Legacy: The surname Gorham carries with it a sense of tradition and nobility, reflecting the heritage of those who bear the name. Through the accomplishments of notable individuals, the Gorham family has left its mark on British history and culture.

There are approximately 899 people named Gorham in the UK. That makes it roughly the 8,030th most common surname in Britain. Around 14 in a million people in Britain are named Gorham.

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
  • Matthew
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • Thomas

Female

  • Catherine
  • Charlotte
  • Elizabeth
  • Helen
  • Karen
  • Katherine
  • Laura
  • Lynn
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • 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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