Last Name Meacham

The last name Meacham is of English origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically from the Old English words "mēad" meaning "meadow" and "hām" meaning "home" or "settlement." So, the surname Meacham originally referred to someone who lived near or in a meadow settlement. Over time, the spelling may have changed and variations of the name, such as Mitcham or Mitchum, have emerged.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Meacham

The meaning and origin of the last name Meacham

The surname Meacham is of English origin and is derived from the Old English personal name "Maethelhelm," which means "powerful helmet." The name was originally given to someone who wore an impressive or powerful helmet, implying that they were a skilled warrior or protector. Over time, the name evolved and eventually became a hereditary surname. Meacham is classified as a locational surname, meaning it is derived from a place name. The surname Meacham is most commonly found in Devon and Cornwall regions of England, indicating that the original bearer of the name likely hailed from that area. As with many surnames, variations and alternative spellings of Meacham exist, including Meachen and Mecham. Individuals with the surname Meacham can be found in different parts of the world due to migration and dispersal over the centuries, particularly during times of colonization and emigration.

Geographical distribution of the last name Meacham

The last name Meacham has a diverse geographical distribution. Primarily, it is found in the United States, specifically in the country's southern regions. States such as Texas, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana have a significant concentration of individuals with the Meacham surname. This suggests that the name has deep roots in the southern part of the country. Additionally, some pockets of Meachams can also be found in the northeastern states, such as New York and Vermont, as well as the western states, including California, Washington, and Oregon. This implies that the name may have spread across different regions through migration or familial dispersal. While its highest prevalence remains within the United States, the Meacham surname is also present in smaller numbers in other parts of the English-speaking world, such as the United Kingdom and Canada. Overall, the geographical distribution of the Meacham surname indicates a strong connection to the southern United States, with scattered presence in other regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Meacham

The last name Meacham has a few variations and spellings. One common variation is Meecham, where the extra 'a' is replaced with an additional 'e'. Another variation is Meechum, where the 'a' is replaced with a 'u'. Additionally, some individuals may spell the name as Mecham, dropping the second 'a' and replacing it with a 'c'. Yet another possible spelling is Micham, where the 'ea' is substituted with an 'i'. Due to the nature of name spellings and variations, there might be other less common versions as well. However, Meacham, Meecham, Meechum, Mecham, and Micham are the most frequently encountered spellings and variations of this surname. It is worth noting that the particular way people spell their last names can vary depending on personal preference, regional dialects, historical spellings, or even errors made during record-keeping processes.

Famous people with the last name Meacham

The Meacham surname is not as prolific as some others, but it has brought forth notable individuals who have achieved recognition in various fields. Jon Meacham is a renowned American author and historian. He has received accolades, including a Pulitzer Prize, for his insightful works on American history and politics. Known for his eloquent storytelling, Meacham has contributed to television news networks and served as an executive editor of Random House. Another prominent figure is Margaret Meacham, a gifted actress known for her stage performances in England during the 20th century. Her captivating portrayals earned critical acclaim and helped shape the theater scene of that era. While the Meacham name may not appear as often as others in the spotlight, these individuals have left a lasting impact on their respective fields of expertise, further enhancing the Meacham legacy.

Genealogical research on the last name Meacham

The Meacham surname has English origins and is believed to have originated from a place name. The name Meacham is derived from the Old English word "Mǣcg-hām," which translates to "the homestead of the sons of Mǣg." This suggests that the surname originally denoted a person or family living in or near a place called Meacham. The earliest recorded instances of the Meacham name can be traced back to the 16th century in England, particularly in the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk. Over time, some Meachams migrated to the United States, with records showing settlements in New England states such as Connecticut and Massachusetts during the 17th century. The Meacham name has since spread across America, and individuals with this surname can be found in various parts of the country today, contributing to a diverse and widespread genealogical lineage.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Meacham"
• 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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