WENHAM
Wenham
Origin and Meaning
Wenham is a surname of English origin, believed to derive from a place name. The most likely source is the village of Wenham in Suffolk, England. The name "Wenham" is thought to come from the Old English words "wenn," meaning "juniper," and "ham," meaning "homestead" or "village"; thus, Wenham may have originally denoted a homestead near juniper trees.
History
The surname Wenham is recorded as far back as the 13th century in English historical documents. It was particularly prevalent in the Suffolk region, where the village of Wenham is located. Over time, individuals with the name Wenham spread to other parts of England and beyond, leading to a wider distribution of the surname.
Notable People
- William Wenham (1814–1880): A pioneering English aviation engineer and inventor who made significant contributions to the development of early flying machines.
- David Wenham (b. 1965): An Australian actor known for his roles in various films, including the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy and "300."
Variants
Variants of the surname Wenham include Wennam, Wennam, and Wynnham, reflecting historical variations in spelling practices.
Modern Distribution
Today, individuals with the surname Wenham can be found across the United Kingdom, Australia, and other English-speaking countries. The name continues to be passed down through generations, preserving the legacy of the Wenham family name.
There are approximately 1,666 people named Wenham in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,917th most common surname in Britain. Around 26 in a million people in Britain are named Wenham.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Brian
- Christopher
- David
- Ian
- James
- John
- Matthew
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Stephen
Female
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Jennifer
- Julie
- Margaret
- Mary
- Maureen
- Nicola
- Sally
- Samantha
- Sarah
- Sharon
- Susan