Origin & Meaning of the Needham Surname
What does the last name Needham mean?
The surname Needham 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 10,983 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Needham ranks as the #3,289 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Needham come from?
The Needham 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 Needham name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Needham 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 | Needham |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a homestead or village |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,289 |
| US Count (2010) | 10,983 |
| Per 100K People | 3.72 |
| First Letter | N |
Ethnic Distribution of Needham
According to the US Census, the Needham surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 10,983 Americans with the Needham last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 90.39% |
| Black | 3.48% |
| Hispanic | 2.23% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.97% |
| Native American | 1.4% |
| Two or More Races | 1.53% |
Popularity of Needham Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Needham surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Needham surname increased by 174 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Needham
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