Malham History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Malham

What does the name Malham mean?

The ancestors of the Malham surname lived among the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. The name comes from when they lived in either Sussex or in the West Riding of Yorkshire at Malham, 1 a township, in the parish of Kirkby-in-Malham-Dale, union of Settle, W. division of the wapentake of Staincliffe and Ewcross. Nearby is Malham-Moor, a township, in the parish of Kirkby-in-Malham-Dale. 2

The place names literally mean "dweller at the stony place," 3 or "settlement by the gravelly place." 4 The Domesday Book of 1086 lists the Yorkshire townships collectively as Malgun. 5

Early Origins of the Malham family

The surname Malham was first found in Winchester where Roger Malham was recorded 1210-1211. Later in Sussex, the Pipe Rolls show William de Malham held a family seat at Malham Farm in Wisborough Green and John de Malham was listed here in the Subsidy Rolls of 1296. 3

The Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 include: John de Malghom; Stephen de Malgham, draper; Thomas de Malgham, cissor; Willelmus de Malghom; Adam de Mallom; and Thomas de Mallum. 6

Early History of the Malham family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Malham research. Another 100 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1455, 1487 and 1774 are included under the topic Early Malham History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Malham Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, French and other languages became incorporated into English through the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Malham include Mallam, Malham, Maleham, Malam, Malem, Mallem, Malgham, Mallom, Mallum, Malhamdale, Malghom and many more.

Early Notables of the Malham family

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

Migration of the Malham family

A great wave of immigration to the New World was the result of the enormous political and religious disarray that struck England at that time. Families left for the New World in extremely large numbers. The long journey was the end of many immigrants and many more arrived sick and starving. Still, those who made it were rewarded with an opportunity far greater than they had known at home in England. These emigrant families went on to make significant contributions to these emerging colonies in which they settled. Some of the first North American settlers carried this name or one of its variants: Ben Mallam, who arrived at Ellis Island, in 1914; George Mallam, aged 23, who arrived at Ellis Island, in 1917; M. Mallam, aged 21, who arrived at Ellis Island, in 1906.

Contemporary Notables of the name Malham (post 1700) +

Terry Malham, American producer, known for Transformers: Earthspark-Expedition (2023), Blaze and the Monster Machines: Axle City Racers (2021) and Freedom Force vs the 3rd Reich (2005)
Michelle Malham, American actress, known for Under Pressure: A Study on Peer Pressure in Elementry Aged Youth (2016), Fear Binds (2016) and Daydream Hotel (2017)
Taylor Malham (b. 1999), American professional soccer player who plays as a left back for Chicago Stars FC of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)

Sources +

Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)