Gresham is a unique and distinctive male given name of English origin. Its meaning and history are deeply rooted in the county of Norfolk, England.
The name Gresham derives from an ancient estate located in the parish of Aylmerton, Norfolk. The estate was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as "Gresham," which is believed to mean "grove home" or "grey homestead." Over time, the name evolved and became known as Gresham.
The most notable figure associated with the name Gresham is Thomas Gresham (1519-1579), an English merchant, financier, and statesman. He served as the financial agent of King Edward VI and Queen Elizabeth I. Gresham was also responsible for founding the Royal Exchange in London, which became a significant center for trade and commerce.
The name Gresham has been passed down through generations, with many notable individuals bearing this unique moniker. While it may not be one of the most popular names today, its historical significance and distinctive sound make it a fascinating choice for parents looking for an uncommon yet meaningful name for their child.
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the name Gresham, perhaps due to its association with successful individuals throughout history. However, regardless of its popularity, the name Gresham remains a powerful symbol of English heritage and a testament to the enduring legacy of those who have carried this distinctive name throughout the centuries.
The name Gresham has seen a varied pattern of popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 154 babies being named Gresham since 1918.
The name first appeared in the records in 1918 and 1921, with five births each year. It then re-emerged in 1926 with another five births. After a gap of nearly fifty years, there were seven births in 1972, suggesting that the name may have experienced a brief resurgence during this period.
In the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, the popularity of the name Gresham has shown fluctuations. There were five births in 1999, followed by six in 2002, five in 2003, seven in both 2006 and 2008, eight in 2007, nine in both 2011 and 2012, and five again in 2013. This period saw a peak of twelve births in 2014, indicating that the name may have been gaining traction during this time.
However, since then, the number of babies named Gresham has decreased somewhat, with seven births each in both 2015 and 2017, nine in 2016, eight in both 2018 and 2019, and seven in 2023. The most recent data from 2021 shows that there were eight births of babies named Gresham.
While the popularity of the name Gresham has not been consistent over time, it is clear that there have been periods where it has enjoyed some level of favor among parents. It will be interesting to see if this trend continues in future years.