WALSINGHAM
Walsingham
Walsingham is a surname with roots in England, particularly in the counties of Norfolk and Kent. The name is derived from the Old English words "Walesc", meaning foreigner, and "inga", meaning people of. Therefore, it is likely that the surname originally referred to individuals of Welsh descent living among the English.
The most famous association with the name Walsingham is the village of Little Walsingham in Norfolk, which is known for its religious and historical significance. The village was a renowned pilgrimage site during the medieval period due to its shrine of the Virgin Mary. The surname Walsingham may have originated from individuals who hailed from this village or its surrounding areas.
Throughout history, the Walsingham family has been connected with various notable figures and events in British history. Notably, Sir Francis Walsingham (1532-1590) was a key figure in the court of Queen Elizabeth I, serving as her principal secretary and spymaster. He played a crucial role in protecting the queen from various Catholic assassination plots and had a significant impact on the development of English intelligence operations.
The surname Walsingham continues to be borne by families across the United Kingdom and beyond, reflecting a connection to England's rich cultural and historical heritage. It serves as a reminder of ancient origins and enduring ties to notable individuals and places in British history.
There are approximately 163 people named Walsingham in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around three in a million people in Britain are named Walsingham.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
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
- Clifford
- David
- Edward
- Graeme
- Jerry
- Lee
- Mark
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Roger
- Simon
Female
- Alison
- Anne
- Beryl
- Carol
- Catherine
- Jacqueline
- Joyce
- Katherine
- Lisa
- Mary
- Maureen
- Sandra
- Shona
- Sylvia
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.