Farnhams

Farnhams is a term used in English to refer to more than one place that bears the name Farnham, as well as to the surname Farnham when discussed in plural form. In historical and genealogical writing, Farnhams can appear as a collective reference to multiple settlements or estates sharing the same toponym.

Etymology and form: The name Farnham generally derives from Old English elements meaning a fern or fern-covered area and ham meaning village or homestead. Medieval spellings varied, and the plural Farnhams appears in some charters and records to denote more than one such place or property.

Geographic usage: The most prominent Farnhams would be two well known English towns named Farnham, located in Hampshire and Surrey in the South East of England. The plural form is most often encountered in historical documents or discussions that address multiple Farnham-related sites, estates, or parishes rather than in contemporary everyday use.

History and notable features: Farnham, Surrey is known for its medieval heritage and the presence of a fortress that became Farnham Castle, reflecting the area's long-standing strategic and administrative importance. Farnham, Hampshire developed as a market town with square and parish structures characteristic of medieval English towns. The name’s appearance in records across counties illustrates its enduring role in English toponymy.

Surname usage: Farnham is a recognized English surname, and the plural form Farnhams can appear in genealogical contexts when listing families or individuals bearing the name. In most modern references, specific places named Farnham are identified by their county, with Farnhams used primarily in historical or collective discussions.

See also: Farnham, and disambiguation pages for places named Farnham.