All about the name

Fordham

Male

« Fordham is an English surname of Norman origin, derived from the town of Fordham in Cambridgeshire, meaning "river crossing village. »

#9982 over 5 years

Meaning, origin, history

Fordham is an English surname of Norman origin that was brought to England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest in 1066. The name is derived from the town of Fordham in Cambridgeshire, England. The prefix "ford" means river crossing while the suffix "-ham" means village or homestead. Therefore, Fordham can be interpreted as meaning "river crossing village" or "village near a river crossing". The surname Fordham was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it was spelled "Fortham". Over time, the spelling evolved and changed, with variations such as Fortham, Forham, and Forham being used. Throughout history, many notable individuals have borne the surname Fordham. Some of the most famous include: * John Fordham (1847-1930), an English cricketer who played for Kent County Cricket Club * Reginald Fordham (1865-1929), an Australian politician who served as a member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly * Charles Fordham (1890-1967), an American businessman and philanthropist who founded the Fordham Foundation Today, Fordham is still used primarily as a surname in English-speaking countries. However, it has also become popular as a given name for boys in recent years, particularly in the United States. According to data from the Social Security Administration, Fordham was the 965th most popular boy's name in the U.S. in 2018. Overall, Fordham is a historic and meaningful surname with Norman origins that has been associated with notable individuals throughout history. Whether used as a first or last name, Fordham is a strong and memorable choice for parents seeking unique options for their children.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Fordham since 1880

Total births
61
Total since 1880
Peak year
2020
11 births
in 2021
9
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+65%
vs previous 5 years