Durham Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Durham come from? What does the surname Durham mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Durham and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Durham Origin: What does the last name Durham mean?
The surname Durham has its origins in England, with records dating back to the early 11th century. Derived from the place name "Durham," which refers to a city in northeast England, the surname was closely associated with England from the 11th to the 15th century. As indicated by YourRoots data, Durham family records also began appearing in the United States in the 17th century, showcasing an international spread over the centuries.
By the 17th century, the Durham surname saw significant growth in the United States, surpassing England in the early 18th century and continuing to be prominent into the 19th century. Today, the "Durham" surname remains prevalent in the United States, according to YourRoots data, highlighting its enduring legacy and widespread presence in modern times.
Durham Last Name History: Where did the last name Durham come from?
Origin of Durham Surname: Where does the last name Durham originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the Durham surname first appeared in records from England around the early 11th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact "Durham" spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Durham: What does the Durham surname history look like in the early days?
The “Durham” surname remained closely associated with England from the 11th through the 15th century. YourRoots data also shows Durham family records starting in the United States in the 17th century, indicating an international spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Durham surname today?
By the 17th century, the volume of records with the Durham surname grew significantly in the United States. By the early 18th century, it had surpassed England, a trend that continued into the 19th century. The “Durham” surname remains prominent in the United States today, according to the YourRoots data.
Explore Durham last name heritage and Durham surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Durham Surame?
Rhea Durham
Rhea Durham (born July 1, 1978) is an American model known for gracing the covers of top fashion magazines like French Vogue and ELLE. She also strutted her stuff in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Rhea made a cameo as herself on the TV show "Spin City". In her personal life, she married actor Mark Wahlberg, with whom she shares four children. The couple tied the knot in a private Catholic ceremony in Beverly Hills, with Rhea converting to Catholicism from Baptist Protestantism. Beyond her modeling career, Rhea is a devoted wife and mother.
Judith Durham
Judith Mavis Durham (July 3, 1943 – August 5, 2022) was an Australian singer, songwriter, and musician known for being the lead singer of the folk music group the Seekers. They were the first Australian pop group to achieve major success in the UK and US, selling over 50 million records worldwide. Durham left the group in 1968 to pursue a solo career and continued to make sporadic recordings and performances. She was named Victorian of the Year in 2015 for her contributions to music and charities. Durham's talent and contributions to the music industry have left a lasting impact on fans around the world.
Geoffrey Durham
Geoffrey Durham (born Jul 22, 1949) is a British comedy magician and actor known as "the Great Soprendo". Starting his magic career at a young age, he entertained audiences with his outrageous Spanish magician persona for over 15 years. Durham later transitioned to performing as himself, gaining success on TV shows like Crackerjack and contributing to Countdown. He is a member of the Inner Magic Circle and acted as a magic consultant on Doctor Who. Durham also found personal fulfillment in joining the Quaker community and has written books on his experiences.
Ray Durham
Raymond Emmett Durham (born Nov 30, 1971) is a former Major League Baseball second baseman known for his impressive 14-year career. Throughout his time in MLB, Durham achieved a .277 lifetime batting average and racked up 2,054 hits, 440 doubles, 79 triples, and 192 home runs. He was a key player for the Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics, and San Francisco Giants, showcasing his skills as a leadoff hitter and a reliable run producer. Durham's transition from a leadoff hitter to a middle-order slugger impressed many, and his dedication to the game shone through despite facing challenges with injuries. After retiring in 2008, Durham now enjoys family life with his wife and three children.
Leon Durham
Leon "Bull" Durham (July 31, 1957 - ) is a former American Major League Baseball player known for his time with the Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, and Cincinnati Reds. He played as a first baseman and outfielder, showcasing his power-hitting abilities during his 10-season career. Durham's memorable moments include winning the Silver Slugger Award and making multiple All-Star Game appearances. Despite facing challenges like injuries and off-field issues, Durham left a lasting impact on the baseball world with his strong presence on the field.
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