Last Name Bellingham

The last name "Bellingham" has its origins in England. It is a locational surname derived from the name of a place. Bellingham is a village and civil parish in Northumberland, England. The name is believed to be derived from the Old English words "Bellinga" and "ham," meaning "the homestead of the family or followers of Bellinga." Over time, individuals who lived in or were associated with the place adopted "Bellingham" as their surname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bellingham

The meaning and origin of the last name Bellingham

The surname Bellingham is of English origin, primarily found in the county of Northumberland in northeast England. The name is believed to be a locational surname, indicating that the original bearers of the name were associated with the village of Bellingham, which is located in Northumberland. The village's name is derived from the Old English words "beo," meaning "bee" or "beehive," and "inga," which translates as "people" or "settlement," combined with the common suffix "-ham," meaning "home" or "village." Thus, Bellingham likely signifies a settlement inhabited by beekeepers or a village with an abundance of beehives. Over time, individuals from the village adopted Bellingham as their surname, passing it down through generations. The surname Bellingham is relatively rare but can still be found among descendants of those originally associated with the Northumberland village.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bellingham

The last name Bellingham has a relatively small geographical distribution, primarily centered in the United Kingdom. It is a surname of English origin, derived from a place name in Northumberland. Historically, Bellingham was a village in the county, and individuals living there adopted the name as their surname. Over time, some members of the Bellingham family migrated to different parts of the UK, resulting in a scattered distribution across the nation. Today, you can find individuals with the last name Bellingham living in various regions of England, Scotland, and Wales. However, it is not a particularly common surname, and the concentration of individuals bearing the name remains relatively low. Outside of the UK, it is rare to come across someone with the last name Bellingham, although there may be a few scattered individuals in countries with historical ties to Britain, such as Australia, Canada, or the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bellingham

The last name Bellingham has a few variations and spellings. One variation is Bellinghame, which adds an "e" at the end. Another variation is Bellincham, which replaces the "g" with a "ch." Furthermore, Bellingham can also be spelled as Bellengham, with an extra "n" inserted between the "g" and "h." In some cases, the name may be spelled Belligham, omitting the "n" entirely. Additionally, it is worth noting that Bellingham is sometimes misspelled as Bellinghan or Bellinghom, with the "m" being replaced by an "n." Overall, while the most common spelling is Bellingham, these variations highlight the flexibility and occasional inconsistency in the way the name is written.

Famous people with the last name Bellingham

Unfortunately, there are no widely recognized famous individuals with the last name Bellingham. While Bellingham is a surname that likely belongs to various individuals around the world, it does not appear to be associated with any notable figures who have achieved significant fame or recognition. Therefore, the name Bellingham does not connect with any prominent personalities in areas like politics, entertainment, sports, or academia. However, it is important to note that this information may be limited to widely known figures, and it is possible that there are individuals with the last name Bellingham who have achieved recognition in their respective fields or within smaller communities.

Genealogical research on the last name Bellingham

The last name Bellingham has a proud and ancient lineage that dates back to medieval times. The name is of English origin and is believed to have originated from the town of Bellingham in Northumberland. The earliest recorded mention of the Bellingham surname can be traced to the 13th century, where several individuals with this name are documented in historical records. Over the years, the Bellingham family has achieved prominence in various fields, including military, politics, and literature. Notable members of the Bellingham family include Sir Richard Bellingham, who served as Governor of Massachusetts Bay Colony in the 17th century, and Sir Edward Bellingham, an English soldier and diplomat during the reign of Henry VIII. Today, the Bellingham name can still be found in different parts of the world, serving as a testament to the enduring legacy of this esteemed family.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Bellingham"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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