The Witham Family History

What Does the Witham Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Witham has its roots in Lincolnshire, England, from where it disseminated to the counties of Essex, Norfolk, Lancashire, and Yorkshire. In Essex County, there exists a town named Witham, deriving its name from the Old English words 'with', meaning bent, and 'ham', denoting a homestead or land. The name has multiple variations, including Whittam, Whittum, Withem, Wittam, Witam, Withum, and Whitham. During the mid-1600s, several families bearing the Witham surname migrated to the American colonies, specifically settling in Massachusetts, Virginia, and Maryland. By the 20th century, a significant number of individuals with this surname resided in Maine, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. Notable figures associated with the Witham name include Drake Witham, a prominent American comedian; Henry T. Witham, a 19th-century scientist known for his work on fossil plants; Myron Witham, a professional football player and coach; and Richard Witham, an English footballer who achieved recognition in his field.