Origin & Meaning of the Pelham Surname
What does the last name Pelham mean?
The surname Pelham 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 3,282 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Pelham ranks as the #9,854 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Pelham come from?
The Pelham 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 Pelham name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Pelham 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 | Pelham |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a homestead or village |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #9,854 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,282 |
| Per 100K People | 1.11 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Pelham
According to the US Census, the Pelham surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,282 Americans with the Pelham last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 76.2% |
| Black | 17.09% |
| Hispanic | 3.99% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.64% |
| Native American | 0.37% |
| Two or More Races | 1.71% |
Popularity of Pelham Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Pelham surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Pelham surname increased by 107 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pelham
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