indicate the level to which a name has been verified.
Type Surname (from location)
Usage English
Other Forms FormsWithem, Wittam, Witam, Withum, Wittum, Whittam, Whitham, Whittum, Whittem, Wytham, Wyttam, Wyttum, Wythum, Withams, Wittams
Meaning & History
habitational name from any of various places so called particularly those in Essex Lincolnshire and Somerset though most often from Essex. The Essex placename may derive from Old English wiht "curve bend" and ham "village homestead". North and South Witham in Lincolnshire take their names from the river Witham (of uncertain origin). Witham on the Hill (Lincolnshire) may derive from the Old English personal name Witta Old English wita "councillor" or wiht "curve bend" and ham. The Somerset placename derives from the Old English personal name Witta or Old English wita and ham.