Graham Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Graham come from? What does the surname Graham mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Graham and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Graham Origin: What does the last name Graham mean?
The surname Graham has Scottish and English origins, stemming from the town of Grantham in Lincolnshire, England. It is believed to be derived from Old English elements meaning "gravel" and "hamlet," referring to small settlements. In the 12th century, Sir William de Graham brought the surname to Scotland, where he founded Clan Graham. The name later spread to Northern Ireland in the 17th century. Variant spellings include Grahame and Graeme.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Graham surname in Scotland dating back to the early 12th century. The surname expanded globally over the centuries, with records in countries like the United States, England, Canada, Ireland, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand. Today, the Graham surname is widespread, reflecting a rich history and heritage that has transcended borders and cultures.
Graham Last Name History: Where did the last name Graham come from?
Origin of Graham Surname: Where does the last name Graham originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the first instance of the surname Graham originates from Scotland in the United Kingdom, dating back to the early 12th century. This data pertains exclusively to the specific spelling of "Graham" in the YourRoots database and does not account for other sources or potential variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Graham: What does the Graham surname history look like in the early days?
From the 12th century through the 15th century, the Graham surname was predominantly associated with Scotland, as shown by the YourRoots data. However, by the 16th and 17th centuries, the frequency of records for the Graham family began to increase in other countries such as the United States and England.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Graham surname today?
By the 18th century, the volume of records for the Graham surname started to expand significantly in the United States, even surpassing Scotland. This growth trend continued through the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, the Graham surname is prevalent not only in the United States and the United Kingdom but also globally. YourRoots data shows a wide geographical spread of the Graham surname, including countries such as Canada, Ireland, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and several countries in Europe.
Explore Graham last name heritage and Graham surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Graham Surame?
Lauren Graham
Lauren Helen Graham (born Mar 16, 1967) is an American actress best known for her roles as Lorelai Gilmore on the hit TV series Gilmore Girls and Sarah Braverman on Parenthood. She has also appeared in various films and published novels. Graham's career has spanned multiple decades and she continues to be a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
Julie Graham
Julie Graham (born July 24, 1965) is a Scottish actress known for her roles in popular TV shows like Shetland, Doctor Who, and Midsomer Murders. She has also appeared in films such as Tower Block and The Fruit Machine. Graham's versatile acting skills have earned her recognition in both drama and comedy genres, making her a familiar face on British television screens. Off-screen, she has faced personal tragedies but continues to shine in her career, captivating audiences with her talent and dedication.
Heather Graham
Heather Joan Graham (born Jan 29, 1970) is an American actress known for her roles in popular films and TV series. She gained critical acclaim for her role as "Rollergirl" in Boogie Nights and appeared in comedy hits like Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me. Graham also had roles in TV shows like Scrubs and Californication. In addition to her acting career, she made her directorial debut with the comedy Half Magic in 2018. Outside of Hollywood, Graham is a public advocate for Children International and supported the climate change campaign Global Cool in 2007.
Lindsey Graham
Lindsey Olin Graham (July 9, 1955) is an American politician and attorney who has been serving as the senior United States senator from South Carolina since 2003. Known for his strong national defense advocacy and interventionist foreign policy, Graham has held various positions in the U.S. government, including chairing the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. He has been reelected multiple times and has been both praised and criticized for his willingness to work across party lines on certain issues. Graham's career has been marked by shifts in his stance towards political figures, including his initial criticism of Donald Trump followed by becoming a staunch ally.
Kat Graham
Katerina Alexandre Hartford Graham (born Sep 5, 1989) is an American actress, singer, dancer, and activist known for her role as Bonnie Bennett on The CW series The Vampire Diaries. She has also appeared in films like The Parent Trap and music videos for top artists. Graham's diverse talents have earned her recognition in both the acting and music industries, showcasing her abilities as a multi-faceted entertainer.
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