Bingham
What is the origin of the last name Bingham?
Meaning and origin
The last name Bingham originates from the Old English personal name "Binga" or "Bing," derived from an unknown meaning. The surname Bingham evolved as a patronymic, denoting "son of Binga." The name's etymology suggests a connection to a specific individual or place, potentially related to a personal characteristic or ancestral association. Further historical and genealogical research may provide additional insights into the name's origin and evolution.
The longer story
Through a comprehensive examination of available sources, a clearer understanding of the Bingham surname emerges.
The Bingham surname is derived from several possible sources, making it a complex name with diverse origins. One possible source is the Old English word "binga," meaning "tribal members," or "followers of." Another potential origin is the Old Norse term "bingr," which translates to "a hollow." The name could also have been derived from a place-name, such as Bingham in Nottinghamshire, England.
Ancestors of those with the Bingham surname were known to have Viking and Norman origins. This connection to Viking and Norman heritage adds another layer to the history and meaning of the Bingham surname.
Surname origins are rarely settled: one spelling can have several sources, and families often took a name for reasons nobody wrote down. Check it against the sources below before you rely on it.
#1,360
Bingham was the 1,360th most common surname in the 2010 US Census, with 25,941 people, about 8.4 in every 100,000.
Who carries it
Surnames like Bingham
Names it is linked with, then names with the same origin and a similar standing.
Check the sources
- Forebears: where Bingham is found around the world
- The Internet Surname Database: a second opinion on the origin
- US Census Bureau: the 2010 surname figures used here
For a name you are serious about, compare the dictionaries: Reaney and Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames; Hanks, Dictionary of American Family Names.