Wadham Surname

The History of the Wadham Surname

The surname Wadham is of English origin and is derived from the Old English personal name "Wada" combined with the word "ham," which means village or homestead. This suggests that the name likely originated as a place name for a settlement associated with a person named Wada. The earliest recorded instances of the surname date back to medieval England.

Early Origins of the Wadham Surname

The Wadham surname has a long history in England, with the majority of individuals bearing the name residing in the country. The highest incidence of the surname is found in England, particularly in the regions of England, with over 600 individuals carrying the surname. The name is also present in other English-speaking countries such as New Zealand, the United States, Australia, and Canada, albeit with lower incidences.

Notable Individuals with the Wadham Surname

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the surname Wadham. One such individual is Nicholas Wadham, a wealthy merchant and philanthropist who founded Wadham College at the University of Oxford in 1610. The college, which bears his name, continues to be a prestigious institution of higher learning in England.

Another prominent figure with the Wadham surname is Sir John Wadham, a respected lawyer who served as the Attorney General of England and Wales during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. His contributions to the legal profession have left a lasting impact on English law.

Distribution of the Wadham Surname

While the Wadham surname is most commonly found in England, it has also spread to other countries around the world. In New Zealand, there are approximately 193 individuals with the surname, while the United States and Australia each have around 133 and 120 individuals, respectively, bearing the name. Canada, Wales, and Scotland also have smaller populations of individuals with the Wadham surname.

Outside of English-speaking countries, the Wadham surname can also be found in countries such as Switzerland, Germany, France, and Spain, although with much smaller incidences. These individuals likely have ancestral ties to England or have acquired the surname through migration and intermarriage.

Meaning and Variations of the Wadham Surname

As a surname derived from an Old English personal name and the word for village or homestead, the Wadham surname likely signifies a familial connection to a specific place or individual named Wada. Variations of the surname may include Waddam, Waddams, and Waddum, reflecting regional dialects and spelling variations over time.

Overall, the Wadham surname has a rich history and is associated with several prominent individuals and institutions in England. Its distribution across various English-speaking countries and beyond highlights the global reach of English surnames and the interconnectedness of genealogical histories.

For those bearing the Wadham surname, the name serves as a reminder of their ancestral roots and the legacy of those who came before them. Whether they reside in England or in distant lands, individuals with the Wadham surname carry with them a piece of history and heritage that binds them to a shared past.

The surname Wadham into the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it can be done to find African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Similar happens in the case of Wadham, which as you're able to corroborate, it can be said it is a surname which can be found in all of the countries of this globe. In the same manner you will find nations in which certainly the thickness of people with all the surname Wadham is more than in other countries.

The map of this Wadham surname

1. England (606)
2. New Zealand (193)
3. United States (133)
4. Australia (120)
5. Canada (109)
6. Wales (23)
7. Scotland (16)
8. Switzerland (6)
9. Germany (6)
10. France (4)
11. Spain (3)
12. Austria (1)
13. Ecuador (1)
14. Ireland (1)
15. Norway (1)
16. Singapore (1)
17. Ukraine (1)