Letham
Origin and Meaning
The surname Letham is of Scottish origin, deriving from a place name in Angus, Scotland. The name 'Letham' comes from the Gaelic word 'leth', meaning 'half', and 'tigh', meaning 'house'. Therefore, Letham can be interpreted to mean 'half-house' or 'partitioned house'.
History and Distribution
The Letham surname is particularly associated with the historic county of Angus in Scotland. The name has ancient roots within the region, with records of Lethams living in various parishes around Forfar in the early modern period.
Notable Bearers
- James Letham (1865–1952) – Scottish politician who served as the Member of Parliament for West Aberdeen.
- Margaret Letham – Scottish international lawn bowler who has achieved numerous victories in various competitions.
Variants and Derivatives
Variants of the Letham surname include Latham and Lethem.
Coat of Arms
The Letham family has a distinguished coat of arms, traditionally featuring symbols and colours that hold significance for the family's heritage and values.
The Letham surname continues to be passed down through generations, both in Scotland and amongst the Scottish diaspora around the world.