Origin & Meaning of the Chatham Surname
What does the last name Chatham mean?
The surname Chatham carries the meaning "From a homestead or village." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 4,066 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Chatham ranks as the #8,155 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Chatham come from?
The Chatham surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Chatham name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Chatham trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Chatham |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a homestead or village |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #8,155 |
| US Count (2010) | 4,066 |
| Per 100K People | 1.38 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Chatham
According to the US Census, the Chatham surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,066 Americans with the Chatham last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 87.41% |
| Black | 5.95% |
| Hispanic | 2.75% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.28% |
| Native American | 0.61% |
| Two or More Races | 1.99% |
Popularity of Chatham Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Chatham surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Chatham surname increased by 12 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Chatham
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