NEESHAM
Neesham
The surname Neesham is of English origin and is derived from the personal name "Nicholas", which itself is derived from the Greek name "Nikolaos", meaning "victory of the people". The surname Neesham is classified as a patronymic surname, which indicates familial lineage from an ancestor named Nicholas.
Origins
The surname Neesham has its roots in medieval England and can be traced back to the early 13th century. The name has undergone various spelling variations over the centuries, including Nesham, Neasham, and Neshem, before settling on Neesham as the most common form in modern times.
Distribution
The Neesham surname is relatively rare, with most individuals bearing the name found in the United Kingdom. The surname has historically been concentrated in regions of northern England, particularly in the counties of Yorkshire and Durham.
Notable Individuals
There have been notable individuals with the surname Neesham, including:
- James Neesham: A prominent New Zealand cricketer who has represented the New Zealand national cricket team in various formats of the game.
- Tom Neesham: An English historian and author known for his works on British medieval history.
Modern Usage
In contemporary times, the surname Neesham continues to be borne by individuals primarily in the United Kingdom, reflecting a connection to their ancestral roots and heritage.
References
- P. H. Reaney, R. M. Wilson, "A Dictionary of English Surnames" (Oxford University Press, 1997).
- George Redmonds, "Family Names: Basingstoke" (Palgrave Macmillan, 2002).
There are approximately 309 people named Neesham in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around five in a million people in Britain are named Neesham.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Anthony
- Christopher
- David
- Denis
- Graham
- John
- Lee
- Michael
- Neil
- Paul
- Philip
- Richard
- Robert
- Seamus
- William
Female
- Amanda
- Angela
- Christine
- Claire
- Clare
- Emma
- Jacqueline
- Julia
- Margaret
- Nicola