Surname Maxham - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
Maxham: What does the surname Maxham mean?
The last name Maxham is believed to be derived from an English origin, although it's not very common. One interpretation of this name includes a geographical reference, as it was common to draw from locations for last names. This ties to the Old English words "mearc" and "ham" meaning "boundary" and "home" respectively, suggesting that the original bearer of this name might have lived in a home located at a boundary point or a border. Other speculative meanings suggest the name could signify a "great residence" or "large estate". However, it is important to note that the meaning of a surname can be influenced by various factors over centuries, including shifts in language and migration, and specific meaning could differ among family lines. As a result, it is challenging to depict an accurate and specific interpretation. Different families with the name Maxham may have different origins and meanings attached to the surname.
Order DNA origin analysisMaxham: Where does the name Maxham come from?
The last name Maxham is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English given name "Maccus" combined with "ham," a common ending in English place names meaning "homestead." Therefore, Maxham effectively means "Maccus' homestead." The name may have initially been used to identify someone who lived in a place with this name.
According to multiple public records and census data, the last name Maxham is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in the states of Massachusetts, Vermont, and Utah. It is less common in England where it originated, possibly due to emigration and the passage of time. Other countries where the Maxham surname might be found, although less frequently, include Canada and Australia. It's important to note that the distribution of the Maxham surname is highly influenced by historical immigration trends and patterns.
Variations of the surname Maxham
The surname Maxham most likely originated from England, possibly derived from the Old English words 'Maccus', a personal name, and 'ham', a village or homestead. Thus, several variations or derivations of the surname could exist due to linguistic changes, geographic displacement, or even personal preferences over the centuries.
Variations and alternate spellings may include Maxam, Maxum, Maxem, Maxhelm, Maccusham, Maxon, and Maxhame.
These surnames may not necessarily be of the same origin, but can be phonetically or structurally similar to Maxham. The surname Maxon, for example, may stem from 'Mac's son' rather than 'Maccus' ham'.
Variations of the surname could also exist due to the misinterpretation or misspelling of handwritten records or due to errors in transcribing oral history. These deviations often account for surname variations within the same family lineage.
Lastly, it's important to remember that surnames can change significantly when families move to different countries or regions, where languages and dialects differ.
Hence, this list cannot be conclusive without detailed genealogical and linguistic research.
Famous people with the name Maxham
- Daniel Maxham: American pianist and engineer
- Fred Maxham: World War I veteran
- Stephen Maxham: American publisher
- Alonzo Maxham: American general
- Robert Maxham: 19th-century American politician
- Edward Maxham: Revolutionary war soldier
- David Maxham: American scientist and engineer
- John Maxham: American businessman
- Stephen Maxham Jr.: American painter and etcher
- Francis Maxham: American soldier and politician
- Mary Maxham: Librarian and businesswoman
- Joseph Maxham: American politician
- Thomas Maxham: American miner and gambler
- Charles Maxham: American Constable
- Rebecca Maxham: American colonial woman
- Douglas Maxham: Farmer and politician
- James Maxham: 19th-century American jurist
- Charles Maxham Jr.: American soldier and engineer
- Robert Maxham Jr.: Canadian-American soldier and merchant
- Hal Maxham: American football coach