Surname Dunham - Meaning and Origin
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Reflecting on Heritage and Identity: Unraveling the Dunham Surname through DNA Testing
After receiving my iGENEA DNA test results, a richer understanding of my Dunham heritage and personal identity emerged. This offered a glimpse into the journeys of my ancestors, reaffirming the fact that our identities are a confluence of numerous histories and experiences.
O. Dunham
read moreDunham: What does the surname Dunham mean?
The last name Dunham is of English origin, and is thought to have derived from the Old English word dunham, meaning ‘woodland settlement’. It was used to describe a rural area or a rural home site. The surname is extremely common in the United Kingdom, particularly in the northern counties of England. It is also present in the United States, particularly in New England, where it has been found as early as the 1640s.
The name Dunham can sometimes be associated with a particular family line, or a particular region. As such, those with the name may feel a connection to their family roots and a sense of belonging to a community. It can also be associated with a particular kind of lifestyle, as Dunham tends to be associated with the countryside rather than an urban environment.
In addition, the name Dunham also has certain connotations – it can suggest a sense of dependability, honesty, and competence. Those with the name may strive to live up to these expectations.
Although the name Dunham has English roots, it can be found throughout the world, with many variants including Donham, Dunningham, Deinam and Denham. It is likely that the Dunham family line has continued to grow over the centuries. Whatever the context, it is clear that Dunham is an important name in modern society, representing a strong connection to family, community, and history.
Order DNA origin analysisDunham: Where does the name Dunham come from?
The last name Dunham is most common in the United States, particularly in the New England region. It is particularly prevalent in the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine. According to Ancestry.com, these five states accounted for 61.4% of the Dunham surname frequency in the 2010 census.
Within New England, Dunhams seem to be especially prevalent in the counties of Hampshire, Franklin, and Worcester in western Massachusetts; Grafton County in New Hampshire; and Fairfield County in Connecticut. Also, Hampshire, Franklin, and Worcester counties in Massachusetts each have towns named Dunham that lie along the Connecticut River.
The last name Dunham is also quite common in the United Kingdom, both in England and Scotland. According to the 2011 UK Census, the Dunham surname was the 339th most common name, with about 8,976 people carrying the name.
The Dunham surname is also fairly common in Canada. The most prevalent province for the name is Ontario, with 7,678 of Canada’s 8,293 Dunhams residing in this province. Interestingly, no Canadian counties have a Dunham settlement, though there is a Dunham, Quebec located in the Brome-Missisquoi Regional County Municipality in the Montérégie region of Quebec.
Variations of the surname Dunham
The surname Dunham is a British originated name, derived from a place name in Normandy, France. The original spelling was "D'unham", which derived from the Old English words "Dune" meaning "hill" and "Ham" meaning "homestead". It was also sometimes spelt as "Dunhamm" with two m's.
Variants of Dunham include Dunnam, Dunhem, Dunan, Dunhan, Dunhame, Donham, Davan, Donnoghue, Dunom, Dunan, and Duenam. Spelling variations can be found in various dialects such as Dunhame, Donynges, Duninge, Dunhame and more. The most common variation is Dunham.
Surnames that have a similar origin to Dunham include Donham, Dunmask, Dunkin, Denham, Dunel, Donne, Dunom, and Denholm. Variations are available for each of these too.
Other surnames that have a similar origin to Dunham include Dunmore, Dunton, Dome, Dungate, Dunlove, Dumont, Devan, Duenam, Duenas, Dunsworth, Dunbar, Dunlop, Dunwood, and Dunningham.
All these surnames are connected to the same French place nine or Normandy, which has the same "Dune"-meaning hill and "Ham - meaning homestead, foundation, domains. All these surname spellings found in Britain, France, Europe, and also the United States, are derived from the same place name. The majority of the variations and spellings have come from the various dialects throughout history.
Famous people with the name Dunham
- Lena Dunham: American actress, writer, producer, and director
- Jeff Dunham: American ventriloquist, stand-up comedian, and actor
- Mindy Dunham: American dancer, actor, and choreographer
- Stanley Dunham: Grandfather of former U.S. President Barack Obama
- Carlisle Dunham: British botanist and plant geographer
- Lillian Dunham: American composer and classical pianist
- Marci Dunham: American voice actress
- Suzanne Dunham: American vocalist and actress
- Fredrick Willoughby Dunham: American businessman and philanthropist
- Amy Dunham: British actress, voiceover artist, and creator