needham

Needham is a name that can refer to places, a surname, and related uses. The placename is of English origin and typically derives from Old English elements associated with a homestead, village, or settlement; as a surname it indicates descent from one of the places named Needham.

Places: In the United States, Needham, Massachusetts is a town in Norfolk County, a suburb of Boston. In England, Needham Market is a town in Suffolk. The name also appears in other English locations, reflecting its toponymic heritage.

People: Needham is a surname carried by many individuals. Notable historical figures include John Needham (1713–1781), an English biologist who conducted experiments related to spontaneous generation in the 18th century. Today, the surname appears across diverse fields such as science, politics, and the arts.

Other uses: The name Needham is used for various institutions, streets, and organizations in regions where Needham families have settled. As both a place name and a surname, Needham reflects a common pattern of English toponymic naming that has spread to communities abroad.