Surname Putnam - Meaning and Origin
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Unveiling My Past: A Journey into the Cultural and Historical Significance of the Surname Putnam
Delving into the results from my iGENEA DNA test enabled a fascinating exploration into the cultural and historical nuances of my surname Putnam. Originating from a place name in England, the surname is steeped in rich history, with significant connections to England and America's socio-political events. Beyond the name, my DNA yields a diverse cultural blend, reflecting migrations, cultural amalgamations, and historic shifts over the centuries.
N. Putnam
read morePutnam: What does the surname Putnam mean?
The last name "Putnam" is of English origin and hails from an ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. Derived from the Old English words "putta," meaning "kiddie," and "ham," translating to "homestead" or "enclosure," Putnam potentially refers to a place where young goats were raised. Originally, such surnames were used to identify individuals based on their geographical location, occupation, or personal characteristics. Thus, the founder of the Putnam family line likely lived or worked in an area known for goat farming. Alternatively, the name could also signify someone youthful or a child. As family names were often passed down through generations, they became a connection to a family's history and roots. Locations in both Norfolk and Sussex in England are known as Puttenham, hinting at the geographical connection to the surname. Nevertheless, the surname Putnam may hold distinct meanings and origins associated with the different families bearing the name.
Order DNA origin analysisPutnam: Where does the name Putnam come from?
The last name Putnam is a relatively common surname in the United States and Canada. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are roughly 100,000 people bearing the surname Putnam living in the United States alone, making it the 594th most common surname in the country. It is most common in the states of Massachusetts, where the surname can be found in higher concentrations than other parts of the U.S., and Connecticut, where it is the right most common surname. It is also found in significant numbers in New York, Vermont and Maine.
The Putnam name is derived from the Old English word "puten," which refers to a pond, or small body of water. As such, it is believed to have likely meant for someone who lived near a pond, or the dweller of such a pond. Variations of the name are also found in the form of Putnam and Puttnam.
In Canada, the Putnam surname is relatively common as well, although its exact rank among other surnames in the country is not known. However, records suggest that the surname is mostly concentrated in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, with smaller concentrations found in provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. It is also present throughout much of the Yukon Territory and in certain parts of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
Overall, the surname Putnam can be found in significant numbers in both the United States and Canada, making it a relatively common name.
Variations of the surname Putnam
The surname Putnam is of English origin and derived from the Old English words “put” meaning head or leader and “ham” meaning homestead or village. The name is found in England especially in counties such as Suffolk, Norfolk, Yorkshire and Bedfordshire. It is also found in North America, particularly the United States, where it has been since the 17th century.
The most common variant and spelling of the surname is Putnam. Other spelling variations to be found include Putman, Putmann, Putnem, Puttnem, Putnem, Puttnem, Puttenham, Putnham and Puttenam, with Putton being an old variant. Some of the surnames derived from this include Button, Putney, Puttner and Puttnig.
Another derivative of the surname is Putt. This is an Anglicized form of Gaelic/Irish surnames such O Púdéid, Ó Púdáin or Ó Pótáin, which are derived from the names Padan, Pudeen and Pótain.
The Putnam Broadcasting Network is also named after this surname, founded by John Putnam in 1923. Famous people carrying the surname Putnam include the lexicographer Noah Putnam and the poet George Palmer Putnam. It is also the surname of several US towns and cities such as Putnam County in New York and Putnam, Connecticut, as well as Putnam County, Indiana.
Famous people with the name Putnam
- Mandy Putnam: An American singer, songwriter, and entertainer in Austin, Texas.
- Rob Putnam: The founder of The Green Garage, a startup car-sharing business.
- Roy B. Putnam: A former American football coach for the San Diego Chargers from 1971 to 1973.
- Ted Putnam: A former professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball from 1923 to 1932.
- Ann Putnam Sr.: One of the main accusers in the Salem Witch Trials in 1692.
- Homer L. Putnam: An American science teacher and college president who co-founded University of the Pacific in California.
- Israel Putnam: A hero of the American Revolutionary War, commonly known as "Old Put".
- Frank Putnam: a scientist who developed the Putnam slant test, a way of measuring intelligence.
- William Putnam: A US Air Force aviator and one of the tests of Chuck Yeager's Glamorous Glennis.
- Rufus Putnam: The leader of the Ohio Company, a land syndicate who purchased the western part of Ohio and founded the first American settlement at Marietta.