Show ContentsGarnham History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Hundreds of years ago, the Gaelic name used by the Garnham family in Ireland was Mag Fhionnain, derived from the word "fionn," which means "fair."

Early Origins of the Garnham family

The surname Garnham was first found in County Mayo (Irish: Maigh Eo) located on the West coast of the Republic of Ireland in the province of Connacht, where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Early History of the Garnham family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Garnham research. Another 65 words (5 lines of text) covering the year 1798 is included under the topic Early Garnham History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Garnham Spelling Variations

Within the archives researched, many different spelling variations of the surname Garnham were found. These included One reason for the many variations is that scribes and church officials often spelled an individual's name as it sounded. This imprecise method often led to many versions. Gannon, Ganon and others.

Early Notables of the Garnham family

More information is included under the topic Early Garnham Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Australia Garnham migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Garnham Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Benjamin Garnham, aged 24, a bricklayer, who arrived in South Australia in 1851 aboard the ship "Catherine" 1
  • Benjamin Garnham, aged 24, a bricklayer, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Catherine" in 1851 1

Contemporary Notables of the name Garnham (post 1700) +

  • Stuart Edward Garnham (b. 1955), former English footballer who played from 1973 to 1985
  • Percy Claude Garnham (1875-1915), British father of Percy Cyril Claude Garnham
  • Percy Cyril Claude Garnham FRS CMG (1901-1994), British biologist and parasitologist, awarded the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene's Manson Medal in 1965
  • Scott Garnham (b. 1985), British theatre actor, known for his work in Billy Elliot The Musical, Les Miserables, Made in Dagenham and many more
  • Robin Garnham (b. 1988), British handball player at the 2012 Summer Olympics
  • Nicholas Garnham (b. 1937), English Emeritus Professor at the University of Westminster
  • Michael Anthony Garnham (b. 1960), former English cricketer


  1. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) CATHERINE 1851. Retrieved http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1851Catherine.htm


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