Surname Woodhams - Meaning and Origin

Woodhams: What does the surname Woodhams mean?

Woodhams is an English habitational surname derived from any of various places called Woodham in Surrey, Kent, and Norfolk. It was likely a topographical name referring to someone who lived near a grove of trees. The name Kes Woodhams can be translated to mean 'house, dwelling', or 'the settlement in the wood'.

The Ortelius Atlas of 1570 mentions a Woodham in Kent, and in 1760, a Woodham was noted in Norfolk as being a 'small persistent village'. In the Surrey Woodhams, the settlements of Woodham Ferrers, Woodham Mortimer and Woodham Walter are located close together near the River Crouch.

The name is derived from the Old English elements wude, meaning 'wood', and ham, meaning 'homestead or village'. Over time, the spelling has been anglicised to Woodhams.

While the surname is thought to have originated from these locations in England, it can be found spread throughout England, but also Wales and Scotland. Today, the Woodhams surname is well established in many countries throughout the world, and is still widely used throughout the English-speaking world.

Woodhams: Where does the name Woodhams come from?

The surname Woodhams is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, particularly England, and much of the concentration is in the South-East part of the country. Woodhams has also become more widely distributed around the world in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, America, Europe, and South Africa.

The first record of Woodhams was in 1298 when Robert de Wooedenham was mentioned in the Essex Calendar of Patent Rolls. The surname is thought to have originated from the Old English word “wudenhame” which means “wooded meadow”. The Woodhams name is associated with many locations, such as Woodhams in Selborne, Woodham Walter, and Woodham Ferrers, all of which are towns and villages in Essex.

In the 20th and 21st centuries, many members of the Woodhams family have migrated to countries such as America, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand. This is evidenced by the British settlers and convicts who first settled in the US colonies in the mid-17th century, and by the mass migrations to other countries that took place in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Woodhams is still found in much of the UK, but can also be found in much lower concentrations in countries such as America, Australia, and New Zealand. As evidenced by its wide distribution, this surname has a rich history, with a clear origin in the British Isles that has been spread across the continents over centuries.

Variations of the surname Woodhams

The surname Woodhams has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Some of the most common variants and spellings are Woodham, Woodhouse, Woodhams, Woodhous, Wudam, Wudhams, Wodam, and Wodhams.

The surname Woodhams could have originated from a variety of sources. It may have derived from the Middle English words "wudu" and "ham," which were used to denote a settlement or homestead by a wood. This was likely a reference to a village or wooded area from which the family originated. The surname could also be derived from the Old English name "wuduburh," which translates to "wooden fortification or stronghold."

In addition to the variants and spellings of Woodhams, there are several surnames that are of the same origin. These include Wodhamson, Woodhey, and Woodhamsey. The surnames Hubble, Hobble, and Jenner may also be related to Woodhams, as they all have the same origin in the Middle English word "habble," meaning "small wood."

The Woodhams surname is also found in many other countries around the world, including Scotland, Ireland, Germany, France, Belgium, Netherlands, and Poland. It is possible that the Woodhams name spread through immigrants who moved from one country to another.

In summary, the surname Woodhams is an anglo-saxon name with many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Variants and spellings of the name include Woodham, Woodhouse, Woodhams, Woodhous, Wudam, Wudhams, Wodam, and Wodhams, while surnames of the same origin include Wodhamson, Woodhey, Woodhamsey, Hubble, Hobble, and Jenner. The surname is also found in many other countries around the world as a result of immigrants who relocated.

Famous people with the name Woodhams

• John Woodhams: Former striker and first team coach for English soccer club Portsmouth.
• T.J. Woodhams: Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the St. Louis Cardinals.
• Adelaide Woodhams: Australian pop singer who had some chart success in the 1950s.
• Matt Woodhams: American powerlifter and amateur bodybuilder.
• Scott Woodhams: Retired professional tennis player who competed on the ATP Tour.
• Joe Woodhams: Former professional rugby player for English side Bath Rugby Club.
• Chris Woodhams: Professional cricket player for the Surrey Cricket Club.
• Chris Woodhams: Writer and professor who holds a gold record and the Guinness World Record for his album writing.
• Peter Woodhams: British archer who won the silver medal at the 2018 European Championships.
• Ceri Woodhams: British Paralympic athlete and wheelchair basketball player.

Other surnames

WoodhallWoodham