Lathams

Lathams is a surname of English origin and also a toponym used for several places in English-speaking countries. The surname Latham originated as a toponymic name taken from place names such as Latham in England, with records dating to the medieval period. As families moved, the name spread to other regions, and the spelling stabilized in various forms.

Etymology and origins are commonly linked to English place-name elements. The place name is thought to reflect a landscape feature and settlement, with the suffix -ham indicating a homestead or village. Over time, the toponymic surname was passed down through generations and can appear in parish and land records across the United Kingdom and its former colonies.

Distribution and variants: Today the surname Latham is found widely in England, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, among other countries. Variants and related forms include the straightforward spelling Latham; there are no widely recognized separate spellings that alter pronunciation in modern usage. The plural form Lathams is sometimes used to refer collectively to families bearing the name.

Geographic usage: In addition to being a surname, Latham is used as a place name in several English-speaking countries. Towns, villages, or localities bearing Latham exist in the United States and Australia, among others, and the name appears in street and neighborhood names in various regions.

Notable people: There are numerous individuals with the surname Latham across politics, science, sports, and the arts, reflecting the name’s broad historical distribution.