Surname Meecham - Meaning and Origin
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Meecham: What does the surname Meecham mean?
The last name Meecham is an English surname that can be traced back to medieval origins. It is a patronymic surname, meaning that it is derived from the given name of a parent or ancestor. Specifically, the surname is derived from the name “Meeches”, which is an old form of the name Matthew.
The origin of the name is believed to have been derived from the Old English personal name “maere”, which means “famous”, combined with “camb”, meaning “enclosure”. This means that people who bore the name were likely residents of a small enclosed village, which was likely highly regarded among the local populace.
The origin of the surname Meecham can also be linked to a medieval occupational name, as it was likely used to identify a person who was employed as a “mechel”, meaning a retainer of a higher-ranking figure in medieval England.
In modern times, the surname Meecham is still mostly found in England. The surname has also spread to other countries around the world, mostly through emigration during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Today, the Meecham surname still remains a strong force among some families, although it is rare in comparison to many other common English surnames. It represents the long and deep roots of English heritage, and continues to be a proud family name throughout the world.
Order DNA origin analysisMeecham: Where does the name Meecham come from?
The last name Meecham is most commonly found in the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Meecham is the 2,823rd most common surname in America. It is most prevalent in the United States, with an estimated 266 people in the country being given the surname. It is most likely of British origin, with the earliest known record of it being a Roger Meecham listed in the Assize Rolls of Norfolk, England in 1209.
In modern times, Meecham is mainly found in the U.S. states of Georgia, Arkansas, Texas, and South Carolina. Those with Meecham ancestry in America often trace their roots back to the colonial era in the 1600s. During this period, following the English Civil War of 1642-1651, many English settlers moved to the American colonies seeking freedom and land.
Today, the Meecham surname remains scattered throughout the United States. Those of Meecham descent can be found in most major cities, as well as all across the rural areas of the nation. There is also evidence that Meecham descendants have emigrated to countries such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand - particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Variations of the surname Meecham
The surname Meecham is of English origin and can be found in various forms. Variations and spellings of the name include the following: Meech, Meecham, Mecham, Meachem, Meacham, Meece, Meeceham, Meechem, Meecom, Meekam and Meeking. It is believed to have originated as a nickname that evolved from the Old English word ‘meca’, which means metalworker.
Alternatively, it could have been derived from the Middle English word ‘mecha’, which means hammer. This would imply that it may have been used by those who made or used hammers for a living.
The Meecham surname may also have been influenced by the Old German word ‘emech’, or ‘emeche’, which meant horse. This would have been transferred into the name Meecham to signify ‘horseman’ or ‘rider’.
Additionally, Meecham is also believed to be a habitational surname, deriving from any of the places in various counties called Meech, Mecham, or Meecham. These places all possess the same meaning as the surname, metalworker or worker of metal.
Surnames of the same origin as Meecham include: Mechum, Mechumson, Macom, Meach, Me Pearson, Meech, Mecom, Mekem, Meiklejohn, Meiklem and Meechom.
In conclusion, the Meecham surname has various spellings, variants and surnames of a similar origin, which all denote the same meaning. It likely either evolved from the metalworking industry or a habitational surname based on the many places in England called Meecham.
Famous people with the name Meecham
- Brandon Meecham: Member of the rock and soul Northern California band the Brothers Comatose.
- William Oliver Meecham: Former English first-class cricketer who played for Lancashire and Oxford University Cricket Club.
- Judith Meecham: British actress, known for her roles in Mary Poppins (1964), The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969), and Toad of Toad Hall (1979).
- David Meecham: American composer and sound designer, best known for his soundtracks for projects such as She-Ra and Xena: Warrior Princess.
- Chris Meecham: British sculptor and photographer whose works have been widely exhibited in the UK and internationally.
- Audrey Meecham: British artist who creates large scale woven textile art works.
- Gwen Meecham: English radio presenter and former actress who has appeared in multiple British television series.
- Elizabeth Meecham: Australian poet and author, best known for her award-winning novel Conversations with the Dead.
- Bruce Meecham: American science fiction author who is the founder of the Galactic Pocket Stationeries publishing house.
- Stephanie Meecham: British artist whose paintings and drawings depict the architecture, landscape, and culture of the English village she grew up in.