Putnams

Putnams is the plural form of the surname Putnam and may refer to people bearing that name as well as to historically associated families. The surname is of English origin, derived from Puttenham, a village in Surrey. The place name is thought to come from a personal name such as Putta combined with ham, meaning homestead. The name was brought to North America by 17th-century English settlers and became established in New England and beyond.

In American history, individuals with the Putnam surname have played roles in military, civic, and cultural life. Israel Putnam (1718–1790) was a notable general in the French and Indian War and a figure in the American Revolutionary War. George P. Putnam (1887–1950) was an American publisher and promoter of Amelia Earhart, contributing to mid-20th-century literature and aviation history.

Today, Putnam is a recognized surname across the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries. Descendants and families with the name are subjects of genealogical research, and the name remains associated with historical societies and publishing traditions linked to the Putnam family.