Markham is a surname of English origin that has been used as a given name in recent times. The name derives from an old English word "maercheaham" which means "boundary hamlet." It is believed to have originated from a village or settlement located near a boundary, possibly in the county of Lincolnshire.
The use of Markham as a surname can be traced back to the medieval period in England. It was often used as an occupational name for someone who lived or worked at such a place. In some cases, it may also have been a locational name, given to people who lived near a boundary or in a settlement with this name.
The name Markham has been associated with several notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous bearers of the surname is Sir Thomas Markham, who was an English explorer and adventurer during the Elizabethan era. He served as governor of Virginia from 1618 to 1620 and played a significant role in the establishment of the colony.
Today, Markham continues to be used as both a surname and given name in English-speaking countries around the world. Its unique origin and history make it an interesting choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child. Despite its medieval roots, Markham has a modern sound that can appeal to families who prefer contemporary names with a touch of history.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Markham has seen a varied level of popularity over the years in the United States. From 1944 to 2022, there were a total of 469 births with the name Markham.
The highest number of births with this name occurred in 1959, with a significant spike at 40 births that year. This could indicate a particular event or trend that made the name Markham popular during that period.
However, the popularity of Markham has been relatively low and stable over time, with most years having fewer than 20 births with this name. The lowest numbers were recorded in the earlier decades, such as only 5 births each in 1944, 1946, and 1979.
There have also been periods of decline and revival for the name Markham. For instance, there was a decrease from 20 births in 1961 to just 7 births in 1968. However, it then picked up again with 14 births in 1969.
More recently, the popularity of Markham has remained relatively consistent, with 5 births each year from 2008 to 2015, and then another spike to 6 births in both 2017 and 2019. This shows that while Markham may not be one of the most popular names, it continues to be chosen for a small but steady number of newborns each year.
These statistics demonstrate how the popularity of certain names can vary greatly over time and with different trends in culture and society. Despite its fluctuations, the name Markham has remained present in the United States' birth records for nearly eight decades.