Surname Wickham - Meaning and Origin

Unraveling the Unexpected Ethnicity Mix & Rich Heritage of the Wickhams: A DNA Test Journey

I used the iGENEA DNA test to trace my family lineage, expecting a straightforward British heritage tied to the Wickham surname. However, the unexpected results transformed the way I perceive my family's history and cultural origins.

W. Wickham

Wickham: What does the surname Wickham mean?

The last name Wickham has origins in England, it is a topographical surname deriving from the old English words 'wic' meaning dairy farm, and 'ham' meaning homestead. The name may have arisen from a family dwelling at such a farm, or could have been a locational name given to those who originally hailed from a village or town of a similar name.

The Wickham surname likely dates back to the 12th century, when it was first found spelled as Wykeham or Wycham. The earliest recorded example of this is found in the 1219 Feet of Fines Court Roll. Usually held at the county archives, these documents detail the resolving of disputes, usually land transactions.

The Wickham surname is still popular in England today, especially in Surrey and Yorkshire. It is also common in the United States, where the first Wickham to settle was possibly Thomas Wickham, recorded in Virginia in 1623.

The Wickham name can also be found in other English-speaking countries like Australia and Canada. It is thought to be the 85th most common surname in Britain, and the 289th most common name in the United States. People with this surname can trace their ancestry back thousands of years and across the world.

Wickham: Where does the name Wickham come from?

The last name Wickham is primarily common in England, but can be found scattered throughout other regions as well. It has clearly been more popular in England, with an estimated 1,470 families having the surname in the 2011 census. In the United States, the name is scattered, primarily throughout the West and Midwest, though higher concentrations are found in states such as Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. To take another look into its spread, following the U.K., the next highest concentration of Wickhams is found in New Zealand, followed by Canada, Australia, South Africa, and Ireland.

Apparently, the name has its origins in a town located in the English county of Kent, originating with the Anglo-Saxon suffix “ham”, signifying a “homestead” or “village”. Over time, the family line spread throughout the country. Wickham may also refer to a wicke, or a wicker basket, could serve to explain why some of its variants, such as Wycocks and Wiggen were found in the 1600s.

Today, Wickham is relatively uncommon globally, though those with this name may find they share a common family history. With its various variants, it can be interesting to explore the global spread of the surname. With some research, one might even uncover the connection they share with past Wickhams.

Variations of the surname Wickham

The surname Wickham is of English origin and has various variants in spelling, including: Weekham, Weckham, Wyckham, and Wykeham. Occasionally, the surname is found spelled Wickom, Wickerham, Wiggan, or Wykan.

The origin of the name Wickham is from Old English place names, which were typically of pre-7th Century origin, that began with either ‘wic’ meaning a dairy-farm, or 'wican' meaning small settlement. The second part of a place named Wickham would usually have been 'ham' - a homestead, village or manor. A prominent family with this name were the Wykehams, and it is believed that this may be where the Wickham name originates from.

Early records of the name Wickham include Henry de Wickham and William de Wykeham. Other notable people include Maureen Wickham, an Australian politician, and Thomas Wickham, an English schoolmaster who founded the college of Corpus Christi in Oxford.

The name Wickham is also an Americanised version of the Dutch surname Van Wijkham. During the 1800s, various branches of this family settled in the USA. A number of families also bear the West Wickham surname in Great Britain, having derived from West Lincolnshire during the late 16th century.

Overall, Wickham is an ancient Anglo-Saxon surname whose variants provide an insight into its original place association and the travels of its original holders.

Famous people with the name Wickham

• Lydia Wickham: A British model and former Made In Chelsea star.
• P. G. Wodehouse: The famed English author who wrote comedic plays and books, including the famous Jeeves and Wooster series.
• Charles Wickham: An English writer and novelist.
• Michael Wickham: An American cardiologist and scientist.
• Fred Wickham: An American actor and voice actor.
• John E. Wickham Jr.: A retired four-star United States Army general.
• Simon Wickham-Smith: An experimental musician, composer and sound artist.
• George Wickham: A fictional character in the book Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.
• Richard Wickham: An English politician and Bishop of Lincoln.
• James Wickham: An Irish journalist, historian and author.

Other surnames

WickheiserWickhiserWickhizer