NomOrigine Background

Last Name Oram

What is the origin of the last name Oram?

The surname Oram is of English origin. It is derived from the Old Norse personal name "Orm", which means "serpent" or "snake". Over time, this personal name evolved into the surname Oram, likely indicating that the original bearer of the name had some association with serpents or snake-like characteristics. The name may have been given to someone who was perceived as cunning, sly, or quick-witted. The surname Oram dates back to at least the 13th century in England.

origin of the last name Oram

Learn more about the origin of the last name Oram

The meaning and origin of the last name Oram

The surname Oram is of English origin and is derived from the Old Norse personal name Ormr, meaning "serpent" or "dragon". It is believed to have been introduced to England by Scandinavian settlers during the Viking Age. Over time, the personal name evolved into a surname that was primarily found in the northern regions of England, particularly in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. The Oram surname may have been used as a nickname for someone with a cunning or fierce personality, traits associated with serpents or dragons. Today, the surname Oram is relatively uncommon but can still be found in various English-speaking countries around the world, often with variations in spelling such as Orum or Orme.

Geographical distribution of the last name Oram

The surname Oram is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, particularly in England and Scotland. Within England, the highest concentrations of individuals with the last name Oram can be found in counties such as Norfolk, Essex, and Hampshire. In Scotland, individuals with the surname Oram are predominantly located in areas such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen. Outside of the UK, the name Oram can also be found in countries such as the United States, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, although in smaller numbers. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Oram indicates a strong presence in the United Kingdom, with smaller but noticeable populations of individuals with this surname in other English-speaking countries around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Oram

Variations and spellings of the last name Oram include Oramm, Orum, Orham, Oran, Oramson, and Oramov. These variations may stem from different languages, regional accents, or changes over time in the spelling of surnames. Oram is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old Norse name Orm, meaning serpent or dragon. The name may have been brought to England by Scandinavian settlers or it could have developed independently within the country. Oram is a relatively uncommon surname, with variations in spelling adding to the diversity of this family name. Whether spelled Oram, Orum, or any of the other variations, this surname offers a glimpse into the rich history of one's ancestry.

Famous people with the last name Oram

One famous person with the last name Oram is Delia Oram, a pioneering British composer and electronic music innovator. She was a key figure in the development of electronic music in the UK in the 1960s and 1970s, and is widely regarded as one of the first women to work in the field. Oram founded the pioneering Radiophonic Workshop at the BBC, where she created groundbreaking electronic compositions and sound effects for radio and television. Her work continues to be influential in the world of electronic music, and she is considered a trailblazer for women in the field. Delia Oram's innovative approach to music and sound has left a lasting legacy, with her contributions to the genre still being celebrated and studied today.

Genealogical research on the last name Oram

The last name Oram is of English origin and is derived from the medieval given name Orm, meaning serpent or dragon. The surname Oram can be traced back to the 12th century in Yorkshire, England, where the Oram family held a seat at Scrayingham. Over the centuries, the Oram name spread throughout England, particularly in counties such as Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk. In the United States, the Oram name can be found in states such as Utah, California, and Idaho, where descendants of English immigrants have settled. The Oram surname has also been documented in other countries such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, reflecting the global migration patterns of the British Empire. Today, the Oram surname continues to have a presence in various parts of the world, with individuals proud of their English heritage and the history behind their family name.

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below: