Origin & Meaning of the Durham Surname
What does the last name Durham mean?
The surname Durham 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 43,635 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Durham ranks as the #792 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Durham come from?
The Durham 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 Durham name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Durham 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 | Durham |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a homestead or village |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #792 |
| US Count (2010) | 43,635 |
| Per 100K People | 14.79 |
| First Letter | D |
Ethnic Distribution of Durham
According to the US Census, the Durham surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 43,635 Americans with the Durham last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 73.03% |
| Black | 21.54% |
| Hispanic | 2.17% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.43% |
| Native American | 0.63% |
| Two or More Races | 2.2% |
Popularity of Durham Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Durham surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Durham surname increased by 1,270 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Durham
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Durham.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Durham.
Frequently Asked Questions About Durham
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