MEPHAM

Mepham

Mepham is a surname of English origin that can be traced back to the county of Kent in South East England. The name is believed to be locational, originating from the villages of Jinterham and Merenham in the parish of Wadhurst.

Etymology: The surname Mepham is said to derive from the Old English personal name Maeþel meaning "assembly" or "council," combined with the word ham, which means "homestead" or "village." Therefore, the name likely referred to someone who came from or lived near a place where meetings or councils were held.

History: The Mepham surname can be found in historical records dating back to the medieval period in England. The name was predominantly concentrated in Kent, especially around the areas of Wadhurst and the neighbouring counties of Sussex and Surrey. Over time, individuals bearing the Mepham name migrated to other parts of England and beyond.

Notable People:

• Thurston Mepham (1805–1878): A renowned Victorian architect known for his work on numerous churches and public buildings in the Kent area.
• Ellen Mepham (1892–1965): A suffragette and activist for women's rights who played a crucial role in the suffragette movement in the early 20th century.
• Douglas Mepham (b. 1950): A notable British novelist and playwright whose works have received critical acclaim both in the UK and internationally.

The Mepham surname continues to be passed down through generations, with individuals proudly bearing the name as a link to their ancestral roots in Kent. Despite its relatively modest size, the Mepham family has made significant contributions to various fields, including architecture, social activism, and literature, leaving a lasting legacy in British history.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

• Andrew
• Christopher
• David
• Derek
• Ian
• James
• John
• Nicholas
• Nigel
• Paul
• Peter
• Robert
• Stephen

Female

• Christine
• Elizabeth
• Jean
• Joan
• Lisa
• Lorna
• Margaret
• Patricia
• Paula
• Rebecca
• Sarah
• Susan