Origin & Meaning of the Dunham Surname
What does the last name Dunham mean?
The surname Dunham 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 22,362 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Dunham ranks as the #1,604 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Dunham come from?
The Dunham 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 Dunham name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Dunham 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 | Dunham |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a homestead or village |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,604 |
| US Count (2010) | 22,362 |
| Per 100K People | 7.58 |
| First Letter | D |
Ethnic Distribution of Dunham
According to the US Census, the Dunham surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 22,362 Americans with the Dunham last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 85.12% |
| Black | 9.85% |
| Hispanic | 1.94% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.52% |
| Native American | 0.65% |
| Two or More Races | 1.93% |
Popularity of Dunham Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Dunham surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Dunham surname increased by 590 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dunham
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