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.
Downham, Donham, Dunnam
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

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Lena Dunham
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Robert Dunham
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