Kirkham Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Kirkham come from? What does the surname Kirkham mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Kirkham and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Kirkham Origin: What does the last name Kirkham mean?
The surname Kirkham has English origins, first appearing in records around the early 14th century. It is believed to be a locational surname, derived from the Old English words 'kirk,' meaning church, and 'ham,' meaning homestead or village. This suggests that early bearers of the Kirkham surname may have been associated with a church or lived near a church or church-owned land. Over the centuries, the Kirkham surname remained closely linked to England, with YourRoots data indicating family records in the United States as well, showing a global spread.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Kirkham surname in England from the 14th to the 18th centuries and its subsequent expansion into countries like the United States. By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Kirkham surname significantly increased in the United States, highlighting its continued prominence in both England and the United States. Today, the Kirkham surname can be found in various countries worldwide, demonstrating its enduring legacy and widespread distribution.
Kirkham Last Name History: Where did the last name Kirkham come from?
Origin of Kirkham Surname: Where does the last name Kirkham originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Kirkham first appeared in records from England around the early 14th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Kirkham spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Kirkham: What does the Kirkham surname history look like in the early days?
The Kirkham surname remained closely associated with England from the 14th to the 18th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Kirkham family records in countries like the United States, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Kirkham surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Kirkham surname grew significantly in the United States. The Kirkham surname remains prominent in England and the United States. It appears in many countries, including those not listed here.
Explore Kirkham last name heritage and Kirkham surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Kirkham Surame?
Rick Kirkham
Richard Allen Kirkham (May 16, 1958 - present) is an American film producer, writer, cinematographer, and journalist best known for his documentary TV Junkie and appearance in the Netflix series Tiger King.
Kirkham started his career as a crime reporter in Las Vegas before becoming an anchor on Inside Edition. He gained attention for his candid portrayal of drug addiction in TV Junkie, which led to appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show.
In 2014, Kirkham became involved in the world of exotic animals when he produced a reality show featuring Joe Exotic. His experiences at the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park were later documented in the hit Netflix series Tiger King.
Ian Kirkham
Ian Kirkham (born Mar 9, 1963) is an English saxophonist best known for his work with Simply Red. He joined the band in 1986 and played with them until their retirement in 2010. Kirkham returned when the band reformed in 2015 and played on their 2019 album, Blue Eyed Soul. As the second-longest-running member of Simply Red, he has been a key part of their sound alongside lead vocalist Mick Hucknall.
Jayne Kirkham
Jayne Susannah Kirkham is a British Labour and Co-operative Party politician born on [insert birth date]. She has been the Member of Parliament for Truro and Falmouth since 2024, after unseating the Conservative incumbent Cherilyn Mackrory. Kirkham previously served as the Labour group leader on Cornwall Council and represented Falmouth Penwerris ward. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Southampton and has a strong background in law. Kirkham is known for tripling the Labour vote in the 2017 election and narrowly missing out on a seat. Her dedication to public service and political leadership has made her a respected figure in British politics.
Millie Kirkham
Millie Kirkham (Mildred Eakes) (June 24, 1923 – December 14, 2014) was an American singer known as the "Nashville soprano" who lent her angelic harmonies to classic hits from the 1950s to the 1980s. She worked with music legends like Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline, and Roy Orbison, becoming an iconic figure in the music industry. Kirkham's soaring soprano vocals can be heard on famous songs like "Blue Christmas" and "Suspicious Minds," solidifying her place in music history.
Kathleen Kirkham
Kathleen Kirkham Woodruff (April 15, 1895 – November 7, 1961) was an American actress known for her work on stage and in silent films. Starting her career at a young age, she became a leading lady, playwright, producer, and manager in Menominee and Los Angeles. Kirkham starred in well-received productions like "The Virginian" and "The Squaw Man" alongside actor Dustin Farnum. With a keen sense of style, she was known for her numerous costume changes on-screen. Kirkham's notable films include "The Eyes of the World" and "The White Moth." She continued acting until her passing in 1961, leaving behind a legacy in the entertainment industry.
All images displayed on this page are sourced from Wikipedia or Wikimedia Commons.We use these images under their respective Creative Commons or public domain licenses. Wherever applicable, author attributions and license information are provided. If you believe an image is used incorrectly or outside its license terms, please contact us so that we can review and correct the issue.