Surname Latham - Meaning and Origin
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L. Latham
read moreLatham: What does the surname Latham mean?
The surname Latham is of Anglo-Saxon origin and can be traced back to pre 7th century England. It is a locational name, derived from the residence of the original bearers, specifically from places named "Latham" in Lancashire and Yorkshire. The term "Latham" itself comes from the Old Norse words "hlathum," meaning "barns" or "storehouses." Literally, it was meant to signify "one who lived by the barns or storehouses." Over the centuries, due to factors like migration and phonetic misinterpretations, the surname has evolved into various forms such as Lathom, Lathome, Laytham, and others. Like many surnames of this era, variations often occurred based on regional dialects and scribes' interpretations. The surname Latham was initially assumed by individuals who were associated, by residence or ownership, with lands known by this name.
Order DNA origin analysisLatham: Where does the name Latham come from?
The surname Latham originates from England, specifically from the Old Norse words "hlatha," meaning a barn, and "heim," meaning home. It denoted someone who lived near a barn or granary. The first instances of the name Latham can be traced back to Lancashire.
Today, the surname Latham continues to be most common in England, particularly in the North West. However, due to migration and diaspora, the name has also spread to other English-speaking countries such as Australia, the United States, New Zealand, and Canada. Notably, within the United States, the surname is most prevalent in Texas.
Variations of the surname Latham
The surname Latham is of Anglo-Saxon origin and has various alterative spellings and forms due to regional dialects, phonetic spelling, and translation between languages. These variations include Laytham, Lathe, Lathom, Lathome, Laitham, and Leatham.
It is considered to be a locational surname, as it originates from the small town of Latham, in Lancashire and West Yorkshire in England. The surname might have been used to identify people who came from the place, Latham. The name Latham itself meant 'Dwelling by the Water' in Old Norse.
Latham might also have variants in other countries as people migrated and the surname adapted to different languages and cultures. For clones, in Ireland, the name is often seen as O'Laithimh.
As with many surnames, it could also be spelled in multiple ways in historical records due to lack of standardized spelling, with variations like Lathim, Lathem or Lotham.
Surnames sharing the root with Latham or that are derivatives include Lathum and Lathen. In some cases, names like Laatham or Lathamm might be seen, where double letters were used for emphasis in phonetic spelling. Some people might also prefer a more phonetic spelling like Laytham.
Famous people with the name Latham
- Christopher Latham, Australian politician.
- Audrey Latham, American Broadway producer and director.
- Chris Latham, Australian rugby union player.
- David Latham, British judge.
- Maria Latham, American singer and songwriter.
- Mervyn Latham, New Zealand yachtsman.
- Keith Latham, English footballer.
- William Latham, British composer.
- Jessica Latham, British actress.
- William Latham, American painter and sculptor.
- Dermot Latham, Irish politician.
- Daniel Latham, Australian cricket player.
- Clarence Latham, American diplomat.
- Margaret Latham, British musician.
- Nari Latham, American basketball player.
- Clayton Latham, Australian soccer player.
- Silas Latham, American politician.
- Bender Latham, American football player.
- Vince Latham, American football coach.
- Mark Latham, Australian politician.