Surname Meachum - Meaning and Origin

Meachum: What does the surname Meachum mean?

The last name Meachum is derived from a combination of Old French and Olde English words, and is believed to originate from England. The prefix 'Mea' means 'meadow,' which could imply a connection to a meadow or someone who lived on or near one. The suffix 'chum' suggests that the bearer of the name has a friendly nature.

In the Middle Ages, Meachums would have been a family of farmers or landowners who lived and worked in a small community, often near or in a meadow. As time passed, the family grew, and some members left for other places. This means that the name has spread far and wide over the years.

Today, Meachums can be found all over the world, but particularly in the United States. In many cases, modern day Meachums are descended from those original Meachums who made a name for themselves in the Middle Ages.

Meachums are generally believed to be hard-working individuals with a strong sense of family. They value friendships, honor, and loyalty, and respect those who have earned their trust. They also tend to be highly ambitious and take pride in their accomplishments. The strength of the Meachum family name today speaks to the success of its original owners.

Meachum: Where does the name Meachum come from?

The last name Meachum is most often seen in the United States, being particularly prominent in the southern states. The earliest known use of the name was in the late 17th century, traceable to the German/Swiss town of Meachum. This same town (now in France) gives its name to a smaller north-eastern branch of the family who later migrated to Germany and established itself in various towns across the region. It was these German Meachums who then eventually made their way to America.

The Meachums were among the first wave of German-speaking settlers to the East Coast of America and their presence can be seen in many of the earliest colonial records. They were heavily involved in the religious and political affairs of the time and many are known to have participated in the Revolutionary War. As the years and generations passed, the Meachums tended to settle further south, particularly in the states of Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

Today, many of the family members are still spread across the American Southeast, but there are also Meachums in other parts of the United States and Canada. The Meachums are very proud of their heritage and the name still holds a place of honor amongst the wider Meachum family.

Variations of the surname Meachum

The surname Meachum can be found in many forms, spellings and variations worldwide. Variants of the surname Meachum include Meacham, Mecham, Machem, Macheam, Macheom, Macheum, MacHeam, Mecheam, Meachom, Mechom, Maceham, Machemme, Macheem, Macheume, Makeham, Makeam, Makeem, Maikeham, Meakeham, Meachem and Macchom.

Many of these surnames come from a variety of origins, including locations throughout England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. The spelling of Meachum is Anglo-Saxon in origin, and is derived from the Olde English elements 'maec' meaning 'son' and 'ham' meaning 'home.'

Other origins of the surname include Northern Irish McCheam, which is derived from the old Irish form "Mac Shamhraidh," meaning "son of Summers," and the Scottish variant Maichham, a topographic name for someone who resided near a swamp.

Meachum is frequently used as a given or middle name in many English-speaking countries, and is considered to be a unisex baby name in the United States. Some of the most popular alternate spellings of the surname today are Mecham, Makeham, and Macchom.

Currently, the Meachum surname is the 27,704th most common last name in the world, with anywhere from 4,000-6,000 persons who share it. Given its popularity, Meachum is likely encountered in many different forms and spellings.

Famous people with the name Meachum

• Sam Meachum: Hollywood director, known for films such as Lovelace and What's Your Number.
• Robert Meachum: writer and food critic, author of books such as The American Vegetable Grower's Guide and Eat and Be Saved.
• William Meachum: Californian film producer and acting teacher.
• Alexander Meachum: Olympic fencer, won a bronze medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics.
• Katherine Meachum: American actress, known for her performance in Bring It On: All or Nothing.
• Hazel Meachum: American biographer, wrote and published the autobiography Memoir of an Artist.
• Carroll Meachum: American sculptor, known for his public art installations in Georgia.
• Rachel Meachum: singer, known for her performances on the variety show The Voice.
• Donovan Meachum: director and producer, known for his work on the hit show The West Wing.
• Terrance Meachum: NBA basketball player, drafted in the first round of the 2020 NBA draft.

Other surnames

MeachamMeachenMeacher