Surname Newnam - Meaning and Origin
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Newnam: What does the surname Newnam mean?
Newnam is a surname of English origin. As a surname, it is believed to be geographical and to have derived from the term "new combe" or "new valley". It was likely used to refer to newcomers to an area or inhabitants of a new valley. The earliest record of the surname dates back to the 17th century in the English countries of Devon and Cornwall. Like many surnames, over the years, it has undergone many spelling variations such as Newnam, Newnham, Newnum, and others. Although it is not a common surname, it has spread to other English-speaking countries including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand through immigration. Despite its obscure nature, this surname provides a connection to English heritage and the history of early settlements.
Order DNA origin analysisNewnam: Where does the name Newnam come from?
The last name Newnam is most common in the United States. It is also seen in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
In the U.S., Newnam is the 6,744th most common last name, with 2,837 individuals bearing the name. It is most commonly seen in South Carolina, with 1,096 reported inhabitants. It can also be found in North Carolina (348 individuals), Georgia (335 individuals), Virginia (212 individuals), and Texas (126 individuals).
In the United Kingdom, Newnam is the 17,578th most common name, with just 16 recorded individuals.
In Canada, there are just 13 recorded people with this last name.
In Australia, there are only three people recorded with Newnam as their last name.
Overall, Newnam is a relatively uncommon last name today, at least compared to other more popular surnames. While it is seen in a few countries, its prevalence in each is quite low. Its highest concentration is in South Carolina.
Variations of the surname Newnam
Newnam is a surname of English or Irish origins. Variants of the surname Newnam include Newnam, Newnum, Newnham, Newnhamm, Newman, and Newnhamme.
In England, the variant Newman has traditionally been the most recognized spelling of the surname. According to the Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, Newman comes from an Old English phrase, meaning "new village or estate." This is in reference to a family having recently acquired land, generally in the form of a manor.
In Ireland, it is likely that the Newnam family name was derived from the Gaelic "Mac Connouille," which means "son of Connouille." Further research has revealed that the surname Newnam has multiple spellings, including Newnam, Newnum, Newnham, Newnhamm, Newman, and Newnhamme. As one can expect, all of these variants are related to each other, all deriving from some version of the same name.
Newnam is also an anglicized version of the Gaelic "Mac Tomhnai," derived from the first name Thomas. This is believed to be a corruption of the Norman French name "Tomide," which is itself a derivation of the original Greek name "Tamas." Much like the other variants, the Newnam surname would have developed as a result of the prevalence of English and Norman-French in Ireland.
Overall, regardless of its origin, the Newnam family name is strongly linked to the cultures of England and Ireland, with its spelling and variants further strengthening its connection to these regions.
Famous people with the name Newnam
- Richard Newnam: three-time Emmy Award-winning television host, comedian, writer, producer, and actor
- Steve Newnam: former NFL offensive guard
- Brian Newnam: professional golfer
- Patton Newnam: former American middle-distance runner
- Dickie Newnam: former Major League Baseball pitcher
- Bill Newnam: bass guitarist and backing vocalist for the rock band Cheap Trick
- Grant Newnam: professional ice hockey player
- Susannah Newnam: stage actress
- Mama Newnam: contestant on the hit reality show America's Got Talent
- Sarah Newnam: journalist and music critic