Surname Calingham - Meaning and Origin
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Calingham: What does the surname Calingham mean?
The last name Calingham is of English origin and is associated with the county of Cumberland, located in Northern England. It is an Anglo-Saxon surname, derived from the Old English words "Ceole", meaning a well or spring, and "ham", meaning a village or homestead. The name Calingham is believed to have begun as a localised variant of the name Cumbeland.
The use of surnames began in Britain during the Norman era, and many were either derived from the name of the medieval manor they were from, or their location. As such, the use of the Calingham surname likely originated with those who lived in or around the village of Calingham in Cumberland. It is believed that the Calingham family has been in the area since at least Norman times, and the name itself is much older.
The prevalence of the name in the British Isles has decreased since records first began in the 12th century. It is still found in England and Scotland, but more commonly in America. It is likely that those bearing the name of Calingham arrived on the shores of America via Scotland or England during the period of colonial settlement.
The name Calingham today is associated with individuals of adventurous and pioneering spirit, likely stemming from the need to explore and settle new lands. Those carrying the surname today are proud to be identified as an ancient English and Scottish family, and this is reflected in the coat of arms adopted by the family which reads “To Find And To Hold”.
Order DNA origin analysisCalingham: Where does the name Calingham come from?
The last name Calingham is most likely derived from an English place name, and is generally associated with the south of England. Even today, Calingham is most commonly found in and around London, England. However, over the centuries, Calinghams have gradually migrated further afield, settling in Canada, the United States, Australia and beyond. In the United States, the surname is particularly common in California and the northeast states, but can be found in many other states too. In Canada, the surname is also widespread, with numerous Calinghams to be found in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia.
Given their widespread geographical distribution, it can be assumed that the Calingham family has long been a nomadic one, with its members taking advantage of wider social and economic opportunities as they become available. Although not particularly populous, due to assimilation and intermarriage, the name remains well known in many English-speaking communities. Given their diverse backgrounds, Calinghams have the potential to make a real mark in many different corners of the world, from business to the arts, from politics to the sciences.
Variations of the surname Calingham
The surname Calingham is derived from the Old English surname Ceolhelmpling, which is comprised of two distinct components. The first component is the Old English word ceol, meaning “keel,” and the second component is the Old English word helm, meaning “helmet.” The name then roughly translates to “helmet of the keel,” which could be a reference to the type of boat the family sailed in or a protective helmet that kept them safe during their travels.
The surname Calingham has several different variants and spellings, such as Calenham, Collingham, Kellingham, Celingam, and Colenham. It can be found spelled in a number of different ways, such as Calinham, Callingham, and Cellingham. The surname is also present as an Irish and Scottish surname, with the forms Celingsham and Kellingham.
In addition to the variants and spellings listed above, there are some surnames with the same origins as Calingham. These include Callin, Calhoon, Calhooner, Colin, Kellingham, Calin, and Collin. While some of these variants may derive from different origins, all of them can trace their roots to the Old English surname Ceolhelmpling.
The Calingham surname is also found in the United States, often anglicized as Collingham, Colenham, or Callinham. There is also a tiny Scottish village named Calingham, which may have been the origin of the surname. This village is located near Lanark in the Glasgow area and is the ancestral home of the Calingham family.
Overall, the Calingham surname is an ancient name with a number of interesting variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Its roots can be traced back to a time when England was far different than it is today, and it is a unique way for people to connect to their past and understand their heritage.
Famous people with the name Calingham
- Martina Calingham: actress and a professional model.
- Bruce Calingham: Olympic fencer and fencing coach.
- Derek Calingham: professional rugby union player.
- Noel Calingham: professional soccer player.
- Alison Calingham: professional golfer.
- Steve Calingham: former professional AFL footballer.
- Thomas Calingham: British Army officer and High Sheriff of Cheshire.
- Duncan Calingham: Professional photographer.
- John Calingham: author and academic.
- Amanda Calingham: blogger and author.
- Bob Calingham: jazz musician.
- Kerry Calingham: professional dancer.
- Beverly Calingham: painter and photographer.
- Ross Calingham: animator and multimedia artist.
- Dave Calingham: Voice Actor.
- Jean Calingham: recording engineer.
- Jessica Calingham: Singer, songwriter, and actress.