Surname Fulgham - Meaning and Origin

Fulgham: What does the surname Fulgham mean?

The surname Fulgham has English roots and is believed to be a locational surname derived from a place name. The structure of the name suggests an Old English origin, with 'Ful' potentially meaning 'fowl' or 'dirty', and 'Ham' meaning 'village' or 'homestead'. So it could mean a village where fowls are reared or alternatively, a dirty homestead. However, the exact meaning of Fulgham can be obscure due to the changes in language and spelling over centuries. The surname emerged during the Middle Ages in England, a period wherein it was common for a family to adopt the name of the village or locality where they originally lived. Over time, it is likely that the name spread and evolved as individuals migrated and established new branches of the family in diverse locations. As with many surnames of English origin, different branches of the Fulgham family may offer variations in spelling such as Fulghum, Fulgom, Fulgum, etc. It is also important to remember that surname meanings and origins are complex and can often only be theorized about.

Fulgham: Where does the name Fulgham come from?

The surname Fulgham is of English origin and is believed to be a habitational name, derived from either Filsham in Sussex or Fulham in London. The place name Fulham signifies a "place of fowls or birds", while Filsham means a "stream frequented by waterfowl", both reflecting geographical features of the local terrain.

There's a significant concentration of those bearing the Fulgham surname in the United States, notably in the states of Mississippi, Alabama, and Virginia, which suggests that they may be descendants of English settlers. It's not uncommon for surnames that have an Old English background to be most prevalent in English-speaking countries due to historical migration patterns. The surname is also present, though less commonly, in England where it originated. Keep in mind that demographic distributions of surnames can change over time due to migration, intermarriage, and other factors.

Variations of the surname Fulgham

The surname Fulgham might have variants and alternative spellings such as Fulghum, Fulgum, Fulgam, and Fullgham.

It has been claimed that this surname has a Welsh origin, possibly being a phonetic Anglicization of the Welsh name Fychan, which means ‘little’ or ‘junior’. However, this theory is speculative and has been challenged.

Additionally, surnames can often have different spellings due to a variety of process related factors like clerical errors and transcription mistakes, and also phonetic and regional language differences over time.

Similar sounding, but possibly unrelated surnames include Follingham, Fullam, Fulham, and Foulgham. Please note that while these surnames might sound similar, they may not necessarily have the same origin.

Researching surname histories can be complex and require access to national and local records, libraries, genealogy databases and sometimes even DNA testing to determine sources and migration patterns more accurately. The origin, variations and history of the Fulgham surname would be best explored through such comprehensive genealogical research.

Famous people with the name Fulgham

• Travis Fulgham: An American professional football player in the National Football League (NFL). He plays wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles and previously played for the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers.
• Jacob Davis Fulgham: Two-term U.S. Representative from Mississippi during the late 19th century.
• Shoshana Fulgham: An experienced American television producer, best known for her work in various reality TV shows.
• Felicia Fulgham: An award-winning hairstylist and makeup artist known for her work in the film industry.
• Isaiah Fulgham: An entrepreneur, author, and public speaker known for motivational speaking on leadership and business growth strategies.
• Kelsey Fulgham: An impact litigation attorney who focuses on civil rights issues.
• Kristen Fulgham: Ex-spouse of Toya Johnson, the reality TV personality, businesswoman, author, and former rapper Lil Wayne's ex-wife. Remember, the notoriety of an individual can vary significantly depending on societal norms, cultures, and other factors, and as such, some of these individuals may not be universally recognized as 'famous'.

Other surnames

Fulghum