LARKHAM
Larkham
Overview: Larkham is an English surname of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English personal name "Laerchaem", meaning 'lark homestead'. The surname is of toponymic origin, indicating that the original bearer hailed from a place called Larkham or a similar-sounding locality.
Distribution and Frequency: The surname Larkham is primarily found in the South West of England, particularly in counties such as Devon and Cornwall. While not one of the most common English surnames, Larkham has a notable presence in the region and is most frequently encountered in these areas.
Historical Significance: The earliest documented instance of the surname Larkham dates back to the 13th century in Devon, England. Over the centuries, the name has undergone variations in spelling, including Larkhum and Larkam, reflecting the evolving nature of English surname conventions.
Famous Bearers: One of the most notable individuals bearing the surname Larkham is Australian rugby player Stephen Larkham, who represented the national team, the Wallabies, and enjoyed a successful career as a fly-half. Stephen Larkham played a key role in Australia's Rugby World Cup victory in 1999.
Coat of Arms: While individual families may have specific coat of arms associated with the surname Larkham, there is no official coat of arms assigned to the name as a whole. Coat of arms were historically inherited through paternal lineage and were granted to individuals rather than whole surnames.
Modern Day: In contemporary times, individuals bearing the surname Larkham can be found across the globe, with some branches of the family having emigrated to countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United States. The name continues to be passed down through generations, maintaining its legacy and connections to its English roots.
There are approximately 243 people named Larkham in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around four in a million people in Britain are named Larkham.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Chris
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Leonard
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Shaun
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Christine
- Eleanor
- Emma
- Jennifer
- Kate
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan