The Odom Family History

What Does the Odom Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Odom is of English origin, deriving from the Old English word ‘adum’ and the Middle English term ‘odam’, which denote a son-in-law, particularly one who has entered into a union with a family of considerable wealth. Variations of the name Odom include Oldum, Oldan, Oldham, and Oldhams. In England, the highest concentrations of individuals bearing the Odom surname are found in Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire, Northamptonshire, and the city of London. Additionally, there are notable numbers of people with the Odom surname residing in Glamorgan, Wales. In Scotland, the largest communities of Odom families are located in Midlothian County. In the United States, the majority of those with the Odom surname initially settled in the southern states, particularly in North and South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, Mississippi, and Alabama. Noteworthy individuals bearing this surname include Lamar Joseph Odom, a professional basketball player; Christopher C. Odom, a film director; Sammy Joe Odom, a professional football player; Vernon Odom Jr., a journalist; Tyler Odom, a guitar musician; Mel Odom, a science fiction author; Heinie Odom, a professional baseball player; Antwan Odom, another professional football player; and Johnny Lee Odom, who also played professional baseball.