Last Name Tatum

The origin of the last name Tatum can be traced back to England. It is an English surname derived from a habitational name for individuals who lived in places called Tatham. These places can be found in various counties throughout England, including Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Cambridgeshire. The name Tatum is derived from the Old Norse word "tópt" or "thopt," meaning "a dwelling." Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name Tatum may have evolved, leading to its current form.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Tatum

The meaning and origin of the last name Tatum

The surname Tatum is of English origin, derived from the Old English word "tättum," which means "steadfast" or "firm." It is believed to have originated as a locational surname, referring to someone who lived in or near a place called Tatum or Tattenhall, which are names of various villages and towns in England. As a locational surname, Tatum was often used to identify individuals who were associated with the specific area or belonged to a particular family who resided there. The surname Tatum has also been associated with a personal name derived from the Old English name "Tata," which means "cheerful" or "mirth." In this context, Tatum could have been a nickname or a patronymic surname given to someone with a personality trait characteristic of cheerfulness or happiness. Over the centuries, the surname Tatum has likely undergone variations in spelling and pronunciation due to dialectal changes and phonetic shifts. It has ultimately spread beyond its original English roots, reaching various parts of the world as families migrated and settled in different regions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tatum

The last name Tatum has a fairly diverse geographical distribution. It is most commonly found in English-speaking countries, particularly the United States and the United Kingdom. In the United States, the name Tatum is concentrated in the southern states such as Texas, Georgia, and Arkansas. It can also be found in other regions of the country, including California, New York, and Florida. The name is often associated with African American communities in the United States. In the United Kingdom, Tatum is less common but still present in various regions including London, Essex, and Kent. Outside of these two countries, the name Tatum is also present in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, where it has likely been brought by immigrants or individuals with English heritage. Overall, while the name Tatum may not be extremely widespread globally, it does have a presence in several English-speaking countries across different continents.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tatum

The last name Tatum has a few variations and possible spellings. One variation is "Tateham," which adds an "h" to the name. Another possible variation is "Tatem," which uses an "e" instead of a "u." Additionally, the name may be spelled "Tatom," where the "u" is replaced with an "o." Similarly, the name "Taitum" is another spelling variation, substituting the "u" with an "i." Another possible spelling is "Taitem," where the "u" is replaced by "ei." Furthermore, "Tatim" is also a potential spelling variation, removing the "u." Lastly, the surname could also be spelled "Taitam," where the "u" is replaced with an "ai." These variations and spellings demonstrate the flexibility and diversity that can occur with the last name Tatum, providing individuals with various options when it comes to the written representation of their family name.

Famous people with the last name Tatum

One of the well-known figures with the last name Tatum is Channing Tatum, a popular American actor and former dancer. Born in 1980, Tatum rose to prominence for his roles in films such as "Step Up," "Magic Mike," and "21 Jump Street." His charismatic performances and impressive dance skills have earned him a significant fanbase. Additionally, Tatum has received critical acclaim for his versatile acting, making him one of Hollywood's most sought-after leading men. Apart from his acting career, Tatum has also ventured into producing and directing. Another notable figure with the last name Tatum is Tatum O'Neal, an accomplished actress and author. Born in 1963, O'Neal was the youngest person to win an Academy Award for acting, receiving the accolade at the age of ten for her role in "Paper Moon." Her successful career includes a range of film and television appearances, showcasing her talent and versatility as an actress.

Genealogical research on the last name Tatum

The surname Tatum is of English origin and has an interesting genealogical history. It is derived from the Old English personal name "Tat" or "Tata," which was a nickname for someone who was cheerful or merry. The name was later combined with the common English surname suffix "-ham," meaning homestead or village, to create Tatham. Over time, the spelling evolved into its current form, Tatum. In terms of genealogical research, the Tatum surname can be traced back to medieval England. Early records indicate that the name was primarily found in the counties of Lancashire and Yorkshire. As time progressed, Tatum families spread to other parts of England, such as London and the southern counties. In more recent history, Tatum immigrants brought the surname to the United States, specifically to the colonies in the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, descendants of these immigrants can be found across various states. Notable individuals carrying the Tatum surname include actors Channing Tatum and Tatum O'Neal, adding to the rich tapestry of the name's genealogical heritage.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Tatum"
• 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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