Mayhew

Mayhew is an English surname of medieval origins. It is derived from the Old English personal name "Maegtheg", meaning "maiden" or "young woman", combined with the element "hēah", meaning "high" or "tall".

The Mayhew family name is primarily found in the south of England, especially in the counties of Suffolk and Norfolk. The name has various spelling variations, including Mayhew, Mahew, Mahughe, and others.

The Mayhew surname has been documented in England since at least the 13th century, with early records showing individuals bearing the name holding land and property in various parts of the country. Over the centuries, the Mayhew family has been involved in a wide range of occupations, including farming, trade, and various skilled crafts.

Notably, the surname Mayhew became more widely known in the 19th century through the works of Henry Mayhew, a journalist and social reformer who is famous for his investigative reporting on the living conditions of the urban poor in London. Henry Mayhew's work has had a lasting impact on social studies and journalism.

Today, individuals with the surname Mayhew can be found around the world, with many continuing to bear the ancestral name and maintain connections to their English roots.

There are approximately 5,486 people named Mayhew in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,728th most common surname in Britain. Around 84 in a million people in Britain are named Mayhew.

Surname type: From given name or forename

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
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Stephen

Female

  • Carol
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Jennifer
  • Joan
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • 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.

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