Mayhew

Mayhew is an English surname of occupational origin, derived from the Middle English word 'mayhewe', which referred to someone who worked in a meadow or pasture. The name is thought to have originated from the Old Norse words 'maigr' meaning meadow and 'haugr' meaning hillock. The first known usage of the name Mayhew as a given name was in the 17th century, but it remained relatively uncommon until the mid-20th century when it began to gain popularity as a unisex name. Today, Mayhew is more commonly used as a male name, although it can still be found as a female name. There is no specific meaning associated with the name Mayhew beyond its occupational origin. However, some people may associate the name with the American abolitionist and social reformer Thomas Horton Mayo (1860-1929), who wrote under the pen name Mayhew. Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the surname Mayhew, including the English poet and artist William Mayhew (1745-1811) and the American author and journalist Albert Richard Mayhew (1837-1906). However, there are no historical figures known specifically by the given name Mayhew.