WOODHAM
Woodham
Woodham is a British surname of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English words "wudu" meaning "wood" and "ham" meaning "home" or "settlement". The surname is toponymic in nature, indicating that the original bearers lived near or in a wooded area.
Origins
The Woodham surname can be traced back to medieval times, with records dating as far back as the 13th century in various regions of England. The name is most commonly found in the southern counties of England, particularly in Essex, Kent, and Surrey.
Notable Individuals
- Sir John Woodham (1802-1875) - A prominent British politician and philanthropist known for his work in social reform and public health initiatives.
- Emily Woodham (b. 1985) - A contemporary British artist known for her intricate woodcarvings and sculptures inspired by nature.
- William Woodham (1920-2008) - A respected British historian and author, renowned for his research on medieval English architecture.
Variants
Variants of the Woodham surname include Woodhams, Wodham, and Woodhem, reflecting different regional pronunciations and historical variations.
Legacy
The Woodham surname carries a sense of connection to the English countryside and ancient woodland, symbolising a strong bond with nature and tradition. Today, individuals bearing the Woodham surname continue to honour their heritage and contribute to diverse fields such as art, politics, and academia.
References:
- P. H. Reaney, The Origin of English Surnames (1997)
- Family History Library, "Woodham Surname Meaning and Origin"
There are approximately 1,656 people named Woodham in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,939th most common surname in Britain. Around 25 in a million people in Britain are named Woodham.
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
- Christopher
- Daniel
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Richard
- Ronald
- Stephen
Female
- Ann
- Carol
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Karen
- Kathryn
- Kelly
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Sharon
- Susan
- Yvonne