Witham

Witham is a surname of English origin, deriving from several locations in England called Witham, such as Witham in Essex and Witham Friary in Somerset. The name is of Old English origin, meaning "river enclosure" or "river meadow".

History

The Witham surname can be traced back to the medieval period in England, with records dating back to the 13th century. It is believed that families taking on the Witham surname were likely to have lived near a river or in a meadow, reflecting the meaning of the name.

Distribution

The Witham surname is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, particularly in regions where the original Witham locations are situated. It has also spread to other English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, due to migration patterns over the centuries.

Notable People

  • Albert Witham (1846–1937): A British architect known for his work on several notable buildings in London.
  • Sarah Witham (born 1980): An English professional tennis player who competed in various international tournaments.
  • Thomas Witham (c. 1590–1662): An English MP and landowner who played a role in local politics during the 17th century.

Variants

Variants of the Witham surname include Withams, Wytham, and Wythams, reflecting different spellings and pronunciations over time.

In conclusion, the Witham surname has a rich history in England, associated with rivers and meadows, and has been carried by individuals who have left their mark in various fields throughout the centuries.

There are approximately 1,949 people named Witham in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,297th most common surname in Britain. Around 30 in a million people in Britain are named Witham.

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
  • David
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Robert
  • Simon
  • Stephen

Female

  • Andrea
  • Claire
  • Diana
  • Emma
  • Julie
  • Linda
  • Margaret
  • Michelle
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Sally
  • 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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