GRESHAM
Gresham
Origin and Meaning: Gresham is a surname of English origin derived from the Old English words "grēot" meaning gravel and "hām" meaning homestead. The name Gresham thus signifies a person who lived near a gravelly homestead.
History: The Gresham surname has been recorded in England since medieval times, with the earliest known mention dating back to the 12th century. The name is notably associated with Sir John Gresham, a prominent London merchant and Lord Mayor of London in the 16th century. The Gresham family established themselves as influential figures in the fields of commerce and politics, with ties to the City of London's financial district.
Notable People:
- Sir John Gresham (1493–1556): English merchant and financier, founder of Gresham College in London.
- Sir Richard Gresham (c.1485–1549): Father of Sir John Gresham and a leading merchant in Tudor England.
- Walter Quintin Gresham (1832–1895): American politician and jurist, served as US Secretary of State and a federal judge.
Modern Distribution: The Gresham surname continues to be found predominantly in England, with concentrations in regions such as Norfolk, London, and Yorkshire. Over time, Gresham descendants have spread to other English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Coat of Arms: The Gresham family coat of arms includes elements such as a shield with a lion rampant and a crest featuring a falcon's wing. These symbols reflect the family's strength, courage, and leadership.
Legacy: Today, the Gresham surname is acknowledged as a part of British heritage, with individuals bearing this name preserving a connection to a centuries-old lineage that has contributed to the fabric of English society.
References: "Dictionary of American Family Names". Patrick Hanks, Flavia Hodges. Oxford University Press, 2006. "The Greshams: Norfolk Landowners and London Merchants, 1480-1560". J. A. F. Thomson. 1976.
There are approximately 947 people named Gresham in the UK. That makes it roughly the 7,679th most common surname in Britain. Around 15 in a million people in Britain are named Gresham.
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
- Anthony
- Christopher
- Daniel
- David
- John
- Kevin
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Alison
- Amanda
- Angela
- Caroline
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Joyce
- Julie
- Karen
- Lindsey
- Margaret
- Nicola
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.