Summary

The name Durham is of English origin and is derived from the Old English word 'dun' meaning 'hill' and 'holm' meaning 'island'. It is believed to have originated from a place name, referring to someone who lived near the hill island or in the town of Durham. The surname Durham has a rich history and is associated with various noble, gentry, and noble families throughout England.
There are
43635
Durhams in the USA
Durham is the
792nd
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Durham

JosephineDurham

Josephine Durham was an African-American educator and civil rights activist. She was born in 1877 in Mississippi and worked as a teacher in various schools throughout her career. Durham was also involved in the civil rights movement, fighting for equal rights and better education opportunities for African-American students.

WilliamDurham

William Durham was a British archaeologist known for his excavations at Durham Cathedral and other important historical sites. He was born in 1859 and dedicated his life to uncovering and preserving the history of Durham and its surrounding areas. Durham's work has provided valuable insights into the region's past.

AnnaDurham

Anna Durham is an American actress known for her roles in several popular TV shows and movies. She was born in 1985 in California and began her acting career at a young age. Durham has received critical acclaim for her performances and has a dedicated fan base.

RobertDurham

Robert Durham was a Scottish painter known for his landscape and portrait paintings. He was active in the late 18th and early 19th centuries and his works are highly regarded for their skillful execution and attention to detail. Durham's paintings can be found in various museums and galleries.

ElizabethDurham

Elizabeth Durham was a British suffragette and women's rights activist. She played an important role in the fight for women's right to vote in the early 20th century. Durham organized and participated in various protests and demonstrations, advocating for equal rights for women.

JohnDurham

John Durham is an American lawyer and legal scholar. He has served as a federal prosecutor and has been involved in several high-profile cases. Durham is known for his expertise in criminal law and has received numerous awards for his contributions to the field.

SarahDurham

Sarah Durham is a Canadian singer-songwriter known for her soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics. She has released several successful albums and has toured internationally. Durham's music has received widespread acclaim from both critics and fans.

DavidDurham

David Durham is an Australian author known for his historical fiction novels. He has published several best-selling books set in different time periods, showcasing his extensive research and storytelling skills. Durham's works have been praised for their vivid descriptions and engaging narratives.

KarenDurham

Karen Durham is an American scientist and researcher. She has made significant contributions to the field of molecular biology and has published numerous influential papers. Durham's work has advanced our understanding of various biological processes and has opened up new avenues for research.

MichaelDurham

Michael Durham is a British photographer known for his stunning wildlife and nature photographs. He has traveled to remote locations around the world to capture images of rare and endangered species. Durham's photographs have been featured in prestigious magazines and exhibitions.

Durham Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Durham' is of English origin and is derived from the place name Durham in northeastern England. The name is believed to be derived from the Old English word 'dun', meaning 'hill', and 'holme', meaning 'island'. Durham was originally a surname given to someone who lived near or on a hill or island.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Durham' is most commonly found in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This distribution is likely due to historical migration patterns and colonization by English settlers.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Durham' include 'Durram' and 'Durrum'. These variations may have originated from different regional pronunciations or spelling variations over time.
Migration and ImmigrationPeople with the surname 'Durham' have migrated and immigrated to various countries throughout history. English settlers carrying the name likely brought it to countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand during periods of colonization. The surname may also be found in other countries as a result of individual migration for various reasons.