Origin & Meaning of the Ham Surname
What does the last name Ham mean?
The surname Ham 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 16,980 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Ham ranks as the #2,133 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Ham come from?
The Ham 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 Ham name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Ham 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 | Ham |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a homestead or village |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,133 |
| US Count (2010) | 16,980 |
| Per 100K People | 5.76 |
| First Letter | H |
Ethnic Distribution of Ham
According to the US Census, the Ham surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 16,980 Americans with the Ham last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 66.22% |
| Black | 11.61% |
| Hispanic | 3.69% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 16.41% |
| Native American | 0.4% |
| Two or More Races | 1.66% |
Popularity of Ham Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Ham surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Ham surname increased by 1,137 between 2000 and 2010.
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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 Ham.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ham
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