Surname Grahams - Meaning and Origin

Grahams: What does the surname Grahams mean?

The last name Grahams is an anglicized form of the Scottish surname “Grahame”. It is derived from one of the most ancient surnames from Scotland, and is associated with the family that controlled many areas of the southwestern region of Scotland.

The name is likely of Pictish origin and may mean “gravelly homestead.” It is derived from the Old English word “graeg” which means “gravelly.” References to the name date back to the twelfth century when the original Grahams held land in the region of Strathearn, which is located in the region in and around Perth.

The Grahams held a significant presence in Scotland for many centuries and were known to be quite influential. They were related to the powerful Hamilton family, and their members were important figures in the historically turbulent period of Scottish history.

Throughout its history, the last name Grahams has been spelled in a variety of different ways, such as Grahame, Graeme, Grames and Grime. It was used to signify different branches of the same Graham clan.

The Grahams were powerful landowners of Scotland for centuries and their influence over Scotland was strong. However, it was not until the 17th century that their surname became a significant part of Scottish surname heritage. By this time, the Grahams had become a distinguished and influential family and their contribution to Scotland’s culture and history is still evident to this day.

Grahams: Where does the name Grahams come from?

The last name Graham is most common today in Great Britain and Ireland. It is also quite popular in Scotland, Australia, Canada, and the United States.

The Graham surname is derived from the Marie personal name, which in turn is of Saxon/Old German origin. It was brought to Britain by the Normans during the invasion of 1066.

In Great Britain, the Graham surname is most concentrated in the counties of Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire in Scotland, and the counties of Lancashire and Yorkshire in England. In Ireland, the name is concentrated in Belfast and Dublin. The highest concentrations of the name can be found in Northern Ireland, where it is the thirteenth most common surname.

In the United States, the name is particularly strong in the mid-Atlantic and New England states, in addition to Virginia, West Virginia, and parts of the Midwest. The surname is also present along the western coast, with a notable concentration in California.

In the 2000 United States Census, Graham ranked as the 143rd most common surname in America. In British Columbia, Graham is the 41st most common name, with the highest concentration located around Vancouver.

Overall, the last name Graham is synonymous with the Clans of Galloway and Lanarkshire in Scotland, and the associated families of Ireland, Wales, England, and the United States. From humble beginnings to the present day, the name Graham is strongly associated with Scotland and Ireland, and continues to be a popular surname in modern times.

Variations of the surname Grahams

Grahams is a British and Scottish surname that has numerous variations, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. It is derived from the Old English graeg ham, which means home in the village. The various variants and spellings of the Grahams surname include Graham, Grahame, Graeme, Grahme, Grahame, Gramme, Graume, Grayham, Graveham, Greyham, and Greyhamme.

In England, Grahams is most commonly found in Scotland, however, it can also be found in Ireland, Wales, and the Isle of Man. It is believed to have been introduced to Scotland by Norman settlers who came to the region in the 12th century, as the ancestral home of the name is Yorkshire, England.

In Scotland, the Grahams spellings began to emerge around the 16th century, and the variations of the name were mostly used in Galloway. In Wales, the surname developed as Grayham, while in Ireland it emerged as Graime and Grahame.

In the US, Grahams is a common surname and there are many variations, including Graham, Grahm, Graum, Grayam, Greyham, and Grayhamme. Due to the popularity of the surname, there are even more modern variations such as Grahamson, Grahmeson, Graimson, and Grahamsen.

The influence of the Grahams surname has extended to other countries, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, and some Caribbean nations. In all these locations, the surname has a unique spelling, such as Graeme in France and Graime in Australia and New Zealand.

Famous people with the name Grahams

• Bill Graham: music promoter
• Jimmy Graham: American football tight end
• Graham Greene: British actor and novelist
• Heather Graham: Actress
• Lawrence R. Graham: American Air Force general
• Martha Graham: Choreographer and dancer
• Vernon Graham: Professional golfer
• Angela C. Graham: Canadian horse rider and coach
• Kim Graham: Canadian ice hockey player
• Paul Graham: American entrepreneur and venture capitalist
• Stephen Graham: Actor
• Val Graham: Canadian football player
• Willie Graham: American Football player
• David Graham: Australian golfer
• Graham Kerr: British chef
• Ulric Grahams: Belgian film actor
• Colin Graham: British opera director
• Derek Graham: Canadian comedian and singer
• Jennifer Graham: Canadian actress
• John Graham: American civil servant and politician

Other surnames

Graham