First found in Oxfordshire where they held a family seat from ancient times as Lords of the manor of Chinnor. At the taking of the Domesday Book in 1086, a census initiated by Duke William of Normandy after his conquest of England in 1066, this manor was held by Leofwin from whom the Thame family are conjecturally descended. In pre-Conquest times the village was called Chenore.

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More about the Tam History...

Please remember that this page is only a small extract of our complete history that includes:

• Ancient origin of the name (usually pre-1100)
• Known spelling variations
• Early movement of the family name during the Middle Ages
• Noteworthy bearers from the 1500-1600s
• First settlers to North America
• Notable contemporary bearers of the name
• A description and/or full color picture of the Coat of Arms, Crest, and Motto (where available)

The unstable environment in England at this time caused numerous families to board ships and leave in search of opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad in places like Ireland, Australia, and particularly the New World. The voyage was extremely difficult, however, and only taken at great expense. The cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels caused many to arrive diseased and starving, not to mention destitute from the enormous cost. Still opportunity in the emerging nations of Canada and the United States was far greater than at home and many went on to make important contributions to the cultures of their adopted countries. An examination of many early immigration records reveals that people bearing the name Tam arrived in North America very early: Michael Tharm who landed in America in 1710.

For more information on the last name Tam, the PDF Surname History is available for purchase as well as other products.