Last Name Isham

The surname Isham is of Old English origin and is derived from various places in England named Isham. The placename derives from "Isa's homestead" or "Isa's village", composed of the Old English elements "Isa" (meaning "Isaiah," a biblical name) and "ham" (meaning "homestead" or "village"). The places named Isham are found in Northamptonshire, Rutland, and Lincolnshire. The surname began to be used as a hereditary name after the Norman Conquest of England when landholders adopted the names of their estates as their family names. It is also possible that the name may have been brought to England by the Normans themselves, who had a number of families named Isam or Isham in their ancestry. Overall, the surname Isham is derived from a placename and is associated with various locations in England, while its origins can be traced back to Old English elements "Isa" and "ham."

Learn more about the origin of the last name Isham

The meaning and origin of the last name Isham

The surname Isham is of English origin, primarily found in the counties of Northamptonshire and Leicestershire. It is believed to have derived from various places named Isham, which are scattered across these regions. The earliest recorded instance of the name was in the 12th century, where a Richard de Isam appears in historical documents. The name is thought to be derived from the Old English words "ig," meaning yew or holly tree, and "ham" meaning homestead or settlement, thus translating to "yew-homestead." Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved due to various factors such as dialectical differences and changes in recording practices. Today, Isham is a relatively uncommon surname, but it remains well represented in its original English heartlands.

Geographical distribution of the last name Isham

The surname Isham is predominantly found in England, specifically in the counties of Leicestershire and Northamptonshire, where it originated from various locations including Isham and Great Isham, both villages with historical records dating back to the Domesday Book. Over time, individuals bearing the name Isham migrated and settled in other parts of England, particularly London and its surrounding areas. The surname also spread to other English-speaking countries during the colonial period, notably the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where descendants of English immigrants continue to bear the name. In the United States, high concentrations of Ishams can be found in states such as Illinois, Massachusetts, and Michigan.

Variants and spellings of the last name Isham

The surname Isham has various spelling variations, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common versions include Isam, Ishem, Isum, Eisham, Eishem, Eysum, and Ysham. These variations may arise from minor typographical errors or regional dialects. The name is of English origin, derived from a place name meaning "Isa's homestead" in Old English. It was originally a topographic surname indicating residence near a settlement named with the Old Norse personal name Asa, an anglicized form of the Scandinavian goddess Frigg or Freyja.

Famous people with the last name Isham

The Isham surname is associated with several prominent figures in various fields. One of the most notable is John Wesley Isham (1847-1926), an American architect who designed numerous significant buildings, including the Nebraska State Capitol and the Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri. In the realm of music, Robert Isham Curry, known professionally as Muhal Richard Abrams, was a prolific jazz composer and pianist. He co-founded the Association for Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM), an influential collective promoting experimental jazz music. Another notable figure is Emily Isham (1836-1924), an American suffragette who advocated for women's voting rights and was a leader in the Women's Christian Temperance Union. Additionally, James Isham (1793-1859) served as the first president of Illinois College, playing a significant role in its early development.

Genealogical research on the last name Isham

The surname Isham originates from England and is believed to have derived from various locations named Isham across different counties, such as Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, and Lincolnshire. The first recorded instance of the name was Robert de Isham in the 13th century. The Ishams were a notable family of landowners and held significant estates throughout their history. One branch of the family can be traced back to Sir Thomas Isham, who lived during the late 16th century and played an active role in local politics. Another prominent member was Sir Anthony Isham, who served as Sheriff of Northamptonshire in the early 17th century. The name is also associated with the American Revolutionary War hero, Ebenezer Isham. Today, the Isham family can be found across various regions worldwide, with significant concentrations in England, the United States, and Canada.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Isham"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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