Letham Surname

The History and Origins of the Surname Letham

The surname Letham is a fascinating and unique surname that has a rich history and interesting origins. This surname is not as common as some other surnames, but it is still prevalent in several countries around the world. In this article, we will explore the history and origins of the surname Letham, as well as its distribution in various regions.

Origins of the Surname Letham

The surname Letham is believed to have originated in Scotland, specifically in the area of Fife. The name is derived from the Old English word "leah," which means a clearing in the woods. This indicates that the original bearers of the surname likely lived near or in a wooded clearing. The addition of "ham" at the end of the name signifies a homestead or village, indicating that the surname may have originally referred to someone who lived in a village near a woodland clearing.

Over time, the surname Letham spread to other regions, particularly in England, Canada, the United States, New Zealand, and Australia. The variations in spellings of the surname, such as Leatham or Leetham, may have occurred as the name migrated to different regions and was adapted to local dialects and pronunciation.

Distribution of the Surname Letham

According to available data, the incidence of the surname Letham is highest in Scotland, with 424 documented occurrences. This is not surprising, given the surname's Scottish origins. In the United States, the surname is also relatively common, with 225 instances recorded. England follows closely behind, with 198 occurrences of the surname.

In Canada, there are 126 documented occurrences of the surname Letham, indicating that the name has also made its way across the Atlantic. In New Zealand, Australia, and several other countries, the incidence of the surname is lower but still present. Countries such as Thailand, the Czech Republic, and Russia also have a small number of individuals with the surname Letham.

It is intriguing to see how a surname that originated in a specific region has spread and adapted to different countries and cultures. The variations in spelling, pronunciation, and frequency of the surname Letham in various regions illustrate how surnames can evolve and change over time.

Notable Individuals with the Surname Letham

While the surname Letham may not be as well-known as some other surnames, there have been notable individuals throughout history who bore this name. One such individual is John Letham, a Scottish footballer who played for several clubs in the early 20th century. Another notable figure is Margaret Letham, a Scottish bowls player who has won numerous championships and accolades.

These individuals have helped to bring the surname Letham to wider recognition and have contributed to its legacy in their respective fields. Their achievements and successes serve as a reminder of the diverse and rich history of individuals who share the surname Letham.

In conclusion, the surname Letham has a unique history and origins that trace back to Scotland. While the surname may not be as widespread as some others, it has still made its mark in various countries around the world. The distribution of the surname Letham in different regions, as well as the notable individuals who have borne this name, highlight the diversity and complexity of surnames and their significance in our lives.

The surname Letham in the world

Globalization has meant that surnames spread far beyond their nation of origin, such that it can be done to get African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Equivalent takes place when it comes to Letham, which as you're able to corroborate, it may be stated it is a surname that can be present in all the nations associated with the world. In the same manner you will find countries by which truly the density of men and women with the surname Letham is more than far away.

The map regarding the Letham surname

View Letham surname map

The possibility of examining for a world map about which countries hold more Letham in the world, assists us a great deal. By placing ourselves on the map, on a concrete nation, we could see the concrete amount of people with the surname Letham, to obtain this way the particular information of the many Letham you could currently get in that nation. All of this additionally helps us to comprehend not just where the surname Letham comes from, but also in excatly what way individuals that are originally part of the family that bears the surname Letham have relocated and relocated. Just as, it is possible to see in which places they've settled and grown up, which explains why if Letham is our surname, it appears interesting to which other nations for the globe it's possible this one of our ancestors once moved to.

Nations with additional Letham worldwide

  1. Scotland Scotland (424)
  2. United States United States (225)
  3. England England (198)
  4. Canada Canada (126)
  5. New Zealand New Zealand (86)
  6. Australia Australia (57)
  7. Thailand Thailand (6)
  8. Czech Republic Czech Republic (5)
  9. Russia Russia (5)
  10. Qatar Qatar (4)
  11. France France (2)
  12. Wales Wales (2)
  13. Oman Oman (2)
  14. Chile Chile (1)
  15. Dominican Republic Dominican Republic (1)
  16. Jamaica Jamaica (1)
  17. Mexico Mexico (1)
  18. Malaysia Malaysia (1)
  19. Norway Norway (1)
  20. Philippines Philippines (1)
  21. Romania Romania (1)
  22. Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia (1)
  23. Sweden Sweden (1)
  24. South Africa South Africa (1)