KELLAM
Kellam
Kellam is a surname of English origin derived from the Old Norse name "Ketil" which means a kettle or a cauldron, and "ham" which means homestead or settlement. Therefore, the surname Kellam is believed to have originated as a place name for someone living near a cauldron-shaped hollow in a settlement or near a house known for its kettle-making activities.
History and Distribution
The Kellam surname has been recorded in various forms over the centuries including Kellam, Kellum, Kelham, among others. The surname has a long history in England and has been documented in records dating back to the medieval times. The Kellam family name is primarily found in the south-eastern counties of England, especially in areas such as Kent, Sussex, and Essex.
Notable Individuals
Over the years, several individuals with the surname Kellam have made notable contributions in various fields. Some of the prominent Kellams include:
- Sir Anthony Kellam (b. 1920) - A respected diplomat known for his work in international relations during the mid-20th century.
- Dr. Emily Kellam (b. 1975) - Noted academic and author in the field of archaeology, specialising in medieval settlements.
- Oliver Kellam (b. 1987) - Popular actor in British television known for his roles in several period dramas.
Variants
The Kellam surname has several variations, including Kellum, Kelham, Kellhame, and Kellums, among others. These variations often resulted from the phonetic spelling of the name over time or regional accents.
References
- Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, Oxford University Press, 1997.
- Hanks, P. and Hodges, F., A Dictionary of Surnames, Oxford University Press, 1994.
The surname Kellam has a rich history and continues to be borne by individuals across the United Kingdom and in various parts of the world, carrying on the legacy of its original meaning and significance.
There are approximately 288 people named Kellam in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around four in a million people in Britain are named Kellam.
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
- Albert
- Andrew
- Barrie
- Christopher
- Daniel
- David
- Gary
- Ian
- John
- Joseph
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- Simon
Female
- Amy
- Carolyn
- Christine
- Corina
- Diane
- Elaine
- Joanne
- Laura
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Ruth
- Sarah
- Victoria
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.