This is an Anglo-Saxon name of either topographical or locational origin. If the latter, the surname derives from either of the places called "Southam" in Gloucestershire and in Warwickshire. The places are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as "Surham" and "Sucham" respectively and share the same meaning and derivation which is "the southern settlement or farm", derived from the Olde English pre 7th Century "suth", south and "ham" homestead, farm or settlement. As a topographical surname "Southam" or its variant form "Sotham" denotes residence at such a place or "to the south of the village".
Ralph de Sutham appeared in 1237 in the Coucher Book or Chartulary of Whalley Abbey, while one William de Southham was mentioned in the Calendar of Inquisitones post mortem (Gloucester) of 1304. One John de Southam was recorded as Rector of West Walton, in Norfolk, in 1388. A Coat of Arms was granted to a family called Southam, which depicts three green bars on a silver shield and a Crest which consists of a thistle and rose in saltire proper. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Thomas de Suham, which was dated 1199, in the "Records of Pleas before the King, Northamptonshire", during the reign of King Richard 1, known as "The Lionheart", 1189 - 1199. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.
Discovering the historical roots of southam is deeply interesting, as it takes us back to the ancestors and relatives who established this lineage. The history of the surname southam is, like that of most surnames, a complex and fascinating journey to ancient times with the aim of unraveling the origin of southam.
Although surnames have a specific origin at a certain time and region of the planet, many of them have spread far and wide across the world for various reasons, as is the case with the surname southam. It is common for surnames like southam to become known in places far removed from their country or region of origin. Discover which ones.
The historical chronicle of southam is based on a striking series of events that were led by those who have carried this surname throughout history. The historical journey of the surname southam can be traced back to those who were the first bearers of southam.
We suggest that if you want to learn more about the surname southam, try to locate it through the bibliographic sources we suggest. You can visit us regularly to get more information about the origin of the surname southam, as we frequently accept significant contributions from other individuals interested in heraldry and the history of surnames.
It's more than likely that there have been some distinguished southams throughout human history. Unfortunately, it's highly probable that not all southams who performed notable deeds have been included in historical chronicles and records.
Thanks to a significant bibliographic review, we have so far compiled information on the heraldry, history, and genealogy of southam. It goes without saying that consulting bibliographic and documentary sources is essential when accessing information about the origins of the surname southam.
These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of southam, and at the same time, of surnames in general.