Helm

Helm is a British surname of Germanic origin that can be traced back to the Anglo-Saxon era. The name is derived from the Old English word "helm", which means helmet or protection, and was often used as a metonymic occupational name for a maker or seller of helmets or a nickname for someone who wore a conspicuous helmet.

The surname Helm is widely distributed in the United Kingdom, particularly in regions with strong Anglo-Saxon heritage, such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and East Anglia. It has also been recorded in areas influenced by Viking settlements, including parts of Scotland and the Isle of Man.

Notable individuals bearing the surname Helm include British author and journalist Richard Helm and American musician Levon Helm, who was of British descent. The Helm surname has also been passed down through generations of British families, contributing to its enduring presence in British genealogy.

The coat of arms associated with the Helm surname typically features heraldic symbols of protection and strength, reflecting the origins of the name. Overall, the Helm surname is a reminder of the rich history and cultural diversity of the British Isles, rooted in the Anglo-Saxon and Viking traditions of craftsmanship and resilience.

There are approximately 2,626 people named Helm in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,390th most common surname in Britain. Around 40 in a million people in Britain are named Helm.

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
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • Stephen
  • Thomas

Female

  • Catherine
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Jennifer
  • Laura
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Sharon
  • Susan
  • Suzanne

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.