Wickham

Wickham is the surname of English origin, deriving from various places in England such as Wickham in Hampshire or Wickham Market in Suffolk. The name is a toponymic surname, indicating that the original bearers of the name hailed from these locations.

Origin

The surname Wickham is believed to have originated from Old English words, with "wic" meaning a dwelling or settlement, and "ham" meaning homestead. Therefore, the name likely referred to someone who lived near or in a settlement.

Distribution

The surname Wickham has been distributed widely across the United Kingdom, with concentrations in areas of historical significance like Hampshire and Suffolk. Over time, migration patterns have seen individuals with the surname spread beyond the British Isles to countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Notable Individuals

  • John Wickham (1763–1839): An American lawyer and politician, known for his involvement in prominent legal cases.
  • Simon Wickham-Smith: A British musician and composer active in the experimental and avant-garde music scenes.
  • Emlyn Wickham: A fictional character in Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice.

Heraldic Symbol

The Wickham family crest typically features elements such as shields, crests, and mottoes, symbolising aspects of the family's history and values. The specific heraldic symbols associated with the Wickham lineage may vary depending on the branch of the family.

In modern times, the surname Wickham continues to be passed down through generations, keeping alive the history and heritage associated with this English surname.

There are approximately 4,080 people named Wickham in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,284th most common surname in Britain. Around 63 in a million people in Britain are named Wickham.

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

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • John
  • Mark
  • Matthew
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Simon
  • Stephen

Female

  • Anne
  • Christine
  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Helen
  • Jennifer
  • Karen
  • Linda
  • Lorraine
  • Margaret
  • Michelle
  • 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.

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