WHITHAM
Whitham
Whitham is a surname of English origin, derived from a place name in West Yorkshire. The name likely comes from Old English words "hwit," meaning white, and "ham," meaning homestead or settlement, possibly describing a settlement with white homes or white fields.
History
The earliest known recording of the name dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where it was recorded as "Witeham." Over the centuries, the surname has been found in various regions across Britain, with concentrations in Yorkshire and Lancashire.
During the medieval period, the Whitham family likely held land and played roles in local communities. The surname has evolved over time, with variations such as 'Wittam' and 'Whithams' appearing in historical records.
Notable Individuals
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Alan Whitham (1905–1980): British footballer who played as a goalkeeper for various clubs in the 1920s and 1930s.
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Jennifer Whitham (b. 1958): British actress known for her roles in theatre productions and television series in the 1980s.
Modern Distribution
Today, the surname Whitham can be found throughout the United Kingdom and across the globe, with descendants of the original Whitham families having emigrated to countries like Australia, Canada, and the United States.
References
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The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Patrick Hanks, Richard Coates, and Peter McClure. Oxford University Press, 2016.
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Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary. Henry Harrison. The General Books LLC, 2011.
There are approximately 2,491 people named Whitham in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,524th most common surname in Britain. Around 38 in a million people in Britain are named Whitham.
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
- Alan
- Andrew
- Christopher
- Daniel
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
Female
- Alison
- Christine
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Jane
- Joanne
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.