Ham Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Ham come from? What does the surname Ham mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Ham and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Ham Origin: What does the last name Ham mean?
The surname Ham has origins in both Western and Korean cultures. In Western regions, such as France, the surname Ham first appeared in records around the early 11th century. It later spread to England and the United States, becoming a prominent name in these countries by the 18th century. The meaning of the surname is not explicitly stated, but it is associated with various individuals, including politicians, athletes, musicians, and academics.
According to YourRoots data, the surname Ham is also prevalent in South Korea, with approximately 75,955 individuals carrying this surname in 2000. The Ham clan in Korea traces its lineage back to the thirteenth century, with Ham Gyu considered the founding ancestor. The surname has been associated with notable figures in Korean society, such as writers, athletes, and actors, showcasing a diverse and rich history within Korean culture.
Ham Last Name History: Where did the last name Ham come from?
Origin of Ham Surname: Where does the last name Ham originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Ham first appeared in records from France around the early 11th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Ham spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Ham: What does the Ham surname history look like in the early days?
The Ham surname remained closely associated with France in the 11th century, and then started growing significantly in England (United Kingdom) from the 16th to the 18th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Ham family records in the United States during the 18th century, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Ham surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Ham surname grew significantly in the United States. The Ham surname remains prominent in the United States. It appears in many countries, including England (United Kingdom) and France.
Explore Ham last name heritage and Ham surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Ham Surame?
Pete Ham
Peter William Ham (27 Apr 1947 – 24 Apr 1975) was a Welsh singer, songwriter, and guitarist known for his work with the rock band Badfinger. He co-wrote the hit song "Without You," later covered by Harry Nilsson and Mariah Carey. Ham's talent was recognized with two Ivor Novello Awards and Grammy nominations. Despite his musical success, financial troubles led to his tragic suicide at age 27, leaving behind a daughter named Petera. His legacy lives on through his timeless music and contributions to the industry.
Mary Katharine Ham
Mary Katharine Ham (April 5, 1980 - ) is an American journalist known for her work at Townhall, Hot Air, and The Federalist. She won awards for her video blog series, "HamNation," and has been a CNN and Fox News contributor. Ham co-authored the book "End of Discussion" with Guy Benson in 2015. She is a fiscal- and security-conscious conservative and has received recognition for her political commentary. Ham has faced personal tragedies but continues to thrive in her career, with a focus on sports and commentary at Fox's OutKick. She is a dedicated mother of four and remains active in journalism and media.
Darvin Ham
Darvin Demonte Ham Sr. (July 23, 1973 - present) is an American professional basketball coach and former player. He is currently the top assistant coach for the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA. Ham played college basketball for the Texas Tech Red Raiders and had a successful NBA career, winning a championship with the Detroit Pistons in 2004. Known for his powerful dunks, he earned nicknames like "Dunkin Darvin" and "Ham Slamwich". As a coach, he has been part of championship-winning teams and has helped develop young players. Ham's impact on the basketball world continues to be felt through his coaching and player development skills.
Ken Ham
Kenneth Alfred Ham (born Oct 20, 1951) is an Australian Christian fundamentalist known for founding Answers in Genesis. He advocates biblical literalism and operates the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter. Ham believes in a young Earth creationist viewpoint, contrary to scientific consensus. His work focuses on promoting creationism and engaging in a culture war against atheism and humanism. Despite facing disputes within the creationist community, Ham continues to be a prominent figure in the religious and scientific spheres.
Greg Ham
Gregory Norman Ham (27 Sep 1953 – 15 Apr 2012) was an Australian musician best known for his time as a member of the 1980s band Men at Work. He played multiple instruments such as saxophone, keyboards, and flute. Ham's talent was showcased in hits like "Down Under" and "Who Can It Be Now?" winning a Grammy Award with the band. Despite facing a plagiarism lawsuit later in his career, Ham continued to pursue music and even taught guitar. Sadly, he passed away in 2012, leaving behind a legacy of musical innovation and creativity.
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