Surname Donham - Meaning and Origin

Donham: What does the surname Donham mean?

The last name Donham is of English origin and has a few known variations, including Donam, Donaham, and Donham. It is believed to be a location-based name, derived from a now lost village near the Don River in East Yorkshire.

The term “dun” is derived from the Old English word “dun”, which referred to a hill, or raised land, and “ham” referred to a settlement. Thus, someone from this region, who came to inhabit other areas, may have taken on the Donham surname.

Another interpretation of the name is that it could have been derived from a baptismal name meaning “the hill by the Don River”. That suggests an area of higher ground by the river.

Throughout history, people have taken on surnames with meanings that describe the areas they came from, so the Donham surname may also be a reference to the river on which the house was built.

The Donham surname was first recorded in the 1300s and has been present in England for centuries. It is now found in many countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

The Donham name has deep roots in the history of the British Isles and is one of the oldest English surnames. It originally meant “the house by the Don River," and it still carries a symbolic meaning for those with the name today.

Donham: Where does the name Donham come from?

The last name Donham is primarily found in the United States, with more than 7,500 individuals located there according to World Names Public Profiler. Most of those living in the States are located in the states of Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois with concentrations in cities such as Milwaukee and Chicago. Beyond the US, there are individuals with the last name Donham located in Great Britain, France, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and other countries around the world.

The origin of the Donham surname is unclear, though the names Dunham and Donham seem to come from two separate places. Dunham, from England; and Donham, from Scotland. It is widely thought that the name was taken on by immigrants to the states from the British Isles at some point before records were kept in America that would indicate its origin.

The Donham name is most likely derived from the Old English name Dunn, which means dark, brown, or black haired. It was taken on by people who were given the Donham surname in place of a patronymic such as a father's given name. The name may also have come from the Old English word dun , meaning hill, or a hill with brown earth.

The current population of people with the last name Donham lives predominantly in America, though it is unclear how many individuals share the surname worldwide. While it is unclear how popular the name is today, it is clear that it has been in use in America since colonial times and much longer in other parts of the world.

Variations of the surname Donham

Donham is a surname of English 'Old English' origin, derived from the given name 'Dunn'. It is most commonly found in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and England.

Variants of Donham include Dunham, Donnan, Donne and Dunnaham. Less common variants are Dannham, Donenham, Donam and Dunnem.

These variants come from a range of sources, such as the Old French ‘donen’, meaning ‘firm’ or ‘strong’, and the Old English ‘dun’, meaning ‘dark’.

Due to dialectical differences, Donham can also be spelled Dounham, Dunam, Donam and Donam. Other lesser known spellings include Douneham, Dunhaem and Donheam.

Common surnames of the same origin to Donham include Donne/Dunn, Dunning, Donahue, and Dunne. It is also possible to find surnames such as Donneaux, Donaghy and Donnelly, which originate from the Irish 'O'Donnail' clan, who were descended from the same Old English root.

In conclusion, Donham is a surname of Old English origin and is found across many countries. There are many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin, derived from various sources, all deriving from the same root.

Famous people with the name Donham

• Josh Donham: professional stuntman, stunt coordinator, and stunt double, known for his work on films such as John Wick and The Hunger Games.
• David Donham: author of the short story "The Clasp" and other works of fiction.
• Ella Donham: a realist painter from Pittsburgh, USA.
• Marie Donham: an American artist and illustrator.
• Nicolas Donham: American actor and screenwriter.
• Craig Donham: a former American swimmer and coach.
• Erin Donham: an American theater and television actress, known for her roles in shows such as The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless.
• Dan Donham: lead singer and guitarist of the alternative rock band Trapped in Ku Klux Klan.
• John Donham: former professional American football wide receiver, who played in the NFL (National Football League).
• Katelyn Donham: an American actress who has appeared in various film and television projects, including G.I. Joe: Retaliation and Lincoln.

Other surnames

Dönhardt