HAM

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Ham

Ham is a British surname of Old English origin, derived from the word "hamm," meaning a piece of land by a river.

The surname Ham is believed to have originated as a locational surname, denoting a person who lived near or worked at a riverside meadow. It is thought to have been used to describe individuals who resided in an area with a notable bend in a river.

The surname Ham has been found in various regions across the United Kingdom, with concentrations in places such as Norfolk, Devon, and Lancashire. Over time, the surname has branched out and spread to other parts of the country.

Individuals with the surname Ham have contributed to various fields, including literature, politics, and academia. The name has a rich history and is considered to be a part of the wider tapestry of British surnames.

Today, the surname Ham continues to be passed down through generations, connecting descendants to their heritage and the land from which this distinguished name originated.

There are approximately 2,601 people named Ham in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,413th most common surname in Britain. Around 40 in a million people in Britain are named Ham.

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
James
John
Michael
Paul
Richard
Robert
Stephen
William

Female

Claire
Elizabeth
Emma
Jane
Jean
Jennifer
Josephine
Lesley
Louise
Margaret
Nicola
Rebecca
Sarah
Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.