Surname Washam - Meaning and Origin
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Washam: What does the surname Washam mean?
The last name Washam is of English origin and comes from the Old English word "wasshom." This could mean "enclosure by a stream" or "waterside meadow." It might also include the personal name Wacsa, which could mean "watchful one."
Washam is likely a toponymic surname, referring to a geographical area such as a village or street, and is common in north-west England as well as some parts of Scotland and Ireland.
The Washam surname is thought to be especially common in Lancashire, including Blackburn, Preston, Rochdale, Oldham, Manchester and Bolton. One type of English Lace, now known as 'Oldham Lace', was originally called 'Owdham Washam'.
The Washams appear on several historical records, including during the reign of Henry III (1207–1272). In 1273, Peter de Washam was recorded in Domesday Book in Surrey. During the 1600s, a John Washam of Whiteparish and William Washam of Junction were recorded in the Hearth Tax Rolls for Wiltshire.
Over the centuries, people bearing the Washam name have migrated to other countries, with Washam now being found primarily in the United States and Canada.
Today, the Washam name is carried by many, perhaps representing a particular ancestor's birthplace or home.
Order DNA origin analysisWasham: Where does the name Washam come from?
The last name Washam has become quite common in different parts of the United States. According to the U.S. Census, in the year 2000, Washam was most commonly found in the state of Tennessee, where 1,173 individuals with that last name lived. States with large populations of Washam include Kentucky, Arkansas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Alabama. Washam can also be found in parts of Canada, specifically in the British Columbia and Ontario regions.
Outside of the United States and Canada, Washam is not a particularly common last name. However, some individuals with the last name Washam have migrated to England, the Netherlands, Germany, and Austria. In addition, this surname can be found scattered in various other countries around the world such as Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Costa Rica, and even India.
The Washam family is believed to have first settled in the United States during the 19th century. It is likely that the family was of English or Scottish descent and assimilated into the United States shortly after the Revolutionary War. Many Washam families still live in those areas which were originally settled, such as the states of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia, as well as in the eastern parts of Canada.
Variations of the surname Washam
The surname Washam is derived from the Old English personal name Wæsse, which means “west meadow.” Variations of the Washam surname include washam, wassom, wesem, wasmann, wassell, and washamme.
The Washam name originated in the English counties of Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire, and spread to other parts of the British Isles. In Ireland, the name assumed the form Wason, Wasson, or Wasen.
In Scotland, the surname is rare and is generally spelled Wasom. In France, the surname Vassam is thought to be a corruption of the British surname Washam.
The surname also has several spellings outside the United Kingdom, including Vasham, Washam, Weshom, Vashem, Washamme, and Wersham. Additionally, some branches of the family adopted the spellings Wassam (or Wasam), and Wasson.
Today, the Washam name is found in various parts of the English-speaking world, including the United States, Canada, England, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. Although the surname may have changed in spelling or pronunciation over the years, the various spellings and surnames all trace their roots to the original Old English personal name Wæsse.
Famous people with the name Washam
- Bill Washam: Actor, writer, producer, and director from Los Angeles, California, USA.
- Gregory Washam: Former college football player from Birmingham, Alabama.
- Kevin Washam: American professional golfer.
- John Washam: Pianist, author and composer best remembered for his mandolin pieces.
- James Washam: Animator from Ohio.
- Paul Washam: American athlete and coach, best known for his collegiate football career at Texas A&M University.
- Tim Washam: Grammy nominated record producer and songwriter.
- Sarah Washam: Country music singer from Austin, Texas.
- Voytek Washam: Professional bass guitarist from Chicago, Illinois.
- Tom Washam: Guitarist, composer and educator from Los Angeles.