Surname Pellam - Meaning and Origin
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Pellam: What does the surname Pellam mean?
Pellam is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old English word "pell," meaning "skin," and the Old English word "ham," meaning "host, home or village." The surname could have originated from people living in a small village, or a person who worked with leather or skin.
The last name is popular in countries like France, England, and Scotland. In French it is spelled Pellam, whereas in England it is spelled Pelham. There are records of the last name being used as early as 1150.
Although the exact origin of the last name Pellam is unknown, it is believed that it is usually a reference to a person or family from the village of Pelham near Eastbourne, England. Alternatively, it could have been a nickname and described someone with a soft and delicate complexion.
The surname was especially popular in medieval England, and there are a number of notable people who have carried the last name. In the 18th century there was a Pelham family who were highly influential in politics in the country.
Today, the last name of Pellam is still quite popular in England, particularly in the East Anglia region, and it is likely that many people in the United States of English descent bear the name.
Order DNA origin analysisPellam: Where does the name Pellam come from?
The last name Pellam is most common today in the United States. Pellam is a rare and unusual name, but one with a distinguished and impressive history.
The earliest records of the Pellam name appear in 12th century England on registry records associated with the Norman Conquest. Some even believe that the name Pellam originated in the Middle East as early as the sixth century.
Pellams can be found in the census records, land deeds, wills and other records throughout the colonized United States. By the time of the neo-American revolution, the Pellam name was firmly established in the New England colonies, especially in Maine.
In the early 21st century, the Pellam name is still present in Maine, although it is more prominent in the Carolinas, Texas, Florida, California and other states. It is unclear whether these more recent surnames are related to the original English Pellam name, or if they are merely namesakes.
The last name Pellam may not be as commonly found in modern times as it was during the 12th century, but throughout its history, it has carried deep meaning for those who have borne it, and it continues to be a source of pride and identity for those who share the name today.
Variations of the surname Pellam
The Pellam surname is an interesting one with variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common variants are Pallam, Peallam, Phellam, Phellamme, and Pullem. These variants often appear with slight spelling variations depending on the origin of the surname. The surname is most frequently associated with British, Irish, and Scottish ancestry, although some variants have been linked to French and Dutch origins.
The most popular spellings of the Pellam surname are Palam, Pallam, and Phellam, all of which have slightly different origins and meanings.
The Palam spelling originated as a diminutive form of the name ‘Peder’ or ‘Peter’. The Pallam spelling is thought to be derived from a professional term meaning ‘man of law’. It is often associated with Cornwall, England. The Phellam spelling is of French origin, likely derived from the Dutch/Flemish word 'phellem', meaning 'brave', or from a nickname ‘the paladin’.
In addition to the variants and spellings of the Pellam surname, there are also surname variants and spelling variations related to the same origin. Palacon is a French variant derived from the Palam spellings, and Poolam is likely derived from the Phellam spellings.
The various spellings and variants of the Pellam surname have all been linked to British, Irish, Scottish, French, or Dutch origins. As the surname has been passed down, various spellings and variants have developed, with each form reflecting the cultural and geographical backgrounds of its various bearers.
Famous people with the name Pellam
- William Pellam: a 17th-century English politician
- J.K. Rowling: famous British author of the Harry Potter series, whose birth name is Joanne Rowling but she changed it to her married name after taking the last name of her husband, Neil Michael Pellam
- Michael Pellam: an American actor who is most known for his role in the TV series Benson and in the movie House of Cards
- Jammi Pellam: a Bay Area rapper and producer
- Gautam Pellam: a financial advisor and television personality
- Rajiv-Hari Pellam: a former Member of Parliament in India
- Claire Pellam: a British actress and singer
- Paul Pellam: a British actor, writer, and producer
- Neil Pellam: an Australian film and television actor
- Nickie Pellam: an award-winning American singer and songwriter