OXENHAM
Oxenham
The surname Oxenham is of Old English origin, derived from the place name "Oxenham," one of which is located in Devon, England. The name is a toponymic surname, denoting someone who originally hailed from Oxenham or a similar place.
Origins
The Oxenham family name can be traced back to the county of Devon in southwest England. The place name "Oxenham" is believed to mean "the homestead (ham) of the oxen," suggesting a connection to agriculture and farming activities.
Variants
The surname Oxenham has several variants, including Oxnam, Oxnam, and Oxnham. Over time, spelling variations have emerged due to regional accents and dialectal influences.
Notable Individuals
The Oxenham surname has been associated with several notable individuals throughout history. One prominent figure was John Oxenham (c. 1540–1625), an English diplomat and courtier during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.
Distribution
Historically, concentrations of individuals with the surname Oxenham have been found in the county of Devon, as well as in neighbouring regions across the southwest of England. Today, descendants of the Oxenham family can be found in various parts of the United Kingdom and beyond.
Legacy
The Oxenham surname continues to be passed down through generations as a marker of family heritage and lineage. The name serves as a reminder of the ancestral connections to the rural landscapes of Devon and the traditional way of life associated with the region.
In summary, the British surname Oxenham is rooted in the historic landscape of Devon and carries with it a legacy of agricultural heritage and community ties.
There are approximately 724 people named Oxenham in the UK. That makes it roughly the 9,453rd most common surname in Britain. Around 11 in a million people in Britain are named Oxenham.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- David
- Gary
- John
- Mark
- Martyn
- Michael
- Paul
- Richard
- Robert
- Simon
- Thomas
Female
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Joan
- Julie
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Nicola
- Sarah
- Sophie
- Susan
- Tina