Dunham Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Dunham come from? What does the surname Dunham mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Dunham and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Dunham Origin: What does the last name Dunham mean?
The surname Dunham is of English origin, deriving from several places named Dunham, meaning "hill home" in Old English. Variations such as Denham, Douham, Downham, and Dynham are found across England. Records show the Dunham surname first appeared in the early 13th century, primarily in the United Kingdom, particularly England. By the early 17th century, the frequency of Dunham surname records grew in the United States, suggesting migration from England to the US during that time.
YourRoots data confirms the Dunham surname's presence in the United Kingdom since the 13th to the 15th century and its expansion into the United States in the 17th century. Today, the largest volume of Dunham surname records is found in the United States, although the surname can still be found in the UK and potentially other regions globally. This indicates the ongoing global spread and presence of the Dunham surname across different countries and cultures.
Dunham Last Name History: Where did the last name Dunham come from?
Origin of Dunham Surname: Where does the last name Dunham originate from?
The Dunham surname traces its earliest roots back to England, specifically the United Kingdom, where it first appeared in YourRoots data around the early 13th century. It is important to note that these records specifically pertain to the exact “Dunham” spelling in the YourRoots database and do not account for other potential sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Dunham: What does the Dunham surname history look like in the early days?
YourRoots data indicates that the Dunham surname was primarily associated with the United Kingdom, particularly England, from the 13th to the 15th century. However, by the early 17th century, the frequency of Dunham surname records experienced substantial growth in the United States. This suggests that individuals or families bearing the Dunham surname may have migrated from England to the United States during this time.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Dunham surname today?
The surge in Dunham surname records in the United States continued into the 18th and 19th centuries, eventually surpassing the frequency seen in the United Kingdom. Today, the largest volume of Dunham surname records can be found in the United States, indicating a significant presence of the Dunham surname in this region. Despite this, the Dunham surname can still be found in the United Kingdom and potentially other regions globally, reflecting the surname’s ongoing global spread.
Explore Dunham last name heritage and Dunham surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Dunham Surame?
Lena Dunham
Lena Dunham (May 13, 1986) is an American writer, director, actress, and producer known for creating, writing, and starring in the HBO series Girls. She has received Emmy Award nominations and Golden Globe Awards for her work. Dunham also directed episodes of Girls and won the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directing. She started her career with the film Tiny Furniture and has since worked on projects like Sharp Stick and Catherine Called Birdy. Dunham is also known for her book "Not That Kind of Girl" and founding the feminist newsletter Lenny Letter. Throughout her career, she has sparked controversy and praise for her work and outspoken presence in the media.
Ann Dunham
Stanley Ann Dunham (Nov 29, 1942 – Nov 7, 1995) was an American anthropologist known for her work in Indonesia. She was the mother of Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States. Dunham's research focused on women's work and rural development, and she created microcredit programs to combat poverty. Her legacy includes posthumous honors and a biography titled "A Singular Woman." Obama has described her as a significant influence in his life, shaping his values and approach to politics.
Jeff Dunham
Jeffrey Douglas Dunham (April 18, 1962 - ) is an American ventriloquist, stand-up comedian, and actor known for his hilarious and politically incorrect puppet characters. He has appeared on popular shows like Late Show with David Letterman and Comedy Central Presents, as well as having his own series, The Jeff Dunham Show. With seven Comedy Central specials and two Netflix specials, Dunham has gained fame for his unique comedic style and has even been called "America's favorite comedian" by Slate. He holds the Guinness World Record for "Most tickets sold for a stand-up comedy tour" and has been credited with revitalizing the art of ventriloquism.
Stanley Armour Dunham
Stanley Armour Dunham (Mar 23, 1918 – Feb 8, 1992) was the maternal grandfather of Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States. He raised Obama from the age of 10 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Dunham served in World War II and later worked in the furniture industry. He and his wife, Madelyn Payne Dunham, played a significant role in Obama's upbringing. Dunham's ancestry includes prominent early American settlers and distant cousins who were U.S. presidents. His legacy lives on through his grandson's presidency and his contributions to Obama's formative years.
Katherine Dunham
Katherine Mary Dunham (June 22, 1909 – May 21, 2006) was an African American dancer, choreographer, anthropologist, and social activist. Known as the "matriarch and queen mother of black dance," Dunham had a successful career in the 20th century. She founded the Katherine Dunham Dance Company and choreographed over ninety dances. Dunham was an innovator in African-American modern dance and developed the Dunham Technique. Her early life was marked by tragedy and challenges, but she persevered to become a pioneering figure in the world of dance and anthropology.
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