Show ContentsNottham History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Nottham

What does the name Nottham mean?

The Nottham surname is a habitational name, taken on from the city of Nottingham in the East Midlands.

Early Origins of the Nottham family

The surname Nottham was first found in Nottingham where Thomas de Notingeham was first listed in the Pipe Rolls of 1169. Later, William de Notingeham was found in the Feet of Fines for Lincolnshire in 1257. Later, Hugh de Notingham was registered in the Subsidy Rolls for Leicestershire in 1327. 1

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 included: Hugh de Notingham, Buckinghamshire; Ralph de Notingham, Oxfordshire; and Robert de Notingham, Nottinghamshire. 2

In Scotland, Henricus de Nothingham, was canon of Caithness who witnessed a charter of Johannes Fraser de Glenwyn in 1272. He "probably derived his name from Nothingham (in 1408 Nothigane) in the parish of Latheron, Caithness, now Nottingham." 3

William of Nottingham (d. 1251), was a "Franciscan [who] entered the Minorite order in his youth. His parents seem to have been in a good position, but even as a boy he played at begging for the love of God with his comrades. His brother, Augustine, also became a Franciscan, entered the service of Pope Innocent IV, and was made Bishop of Laodicea. William acted as vicar of Haymo, the English provincial, in 1239, and was himself elected fourth provincial minister in 1240. In 1244 he went to the Roman court, and obtained a papal letter to restrain the proselytising activity of the Dominicans. William appears in the chronicle of his friend, Thomas of Eccleston as a man of sound sense, considerable humour, and force of character, hating crooked courses, a faithful friend to those in trouble. " 4

Early History of the Nottham family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Nottham research. Another 119 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1169, 1427, 1558 and 1718 are included under the topic Early Nottham History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Nottham Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Nottingham, Nottinham, Notham, Nottham, Notingham and others.

Early Notables of the Nottham family

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

Migration of the Nottham family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: John Nottingham, who came to Maryland in 1658; Thomas Notingham, who came to Maryland in 1669; Thomas Nottingham, who arrived in Maryland in 1670; Joseph Nottingham, who arrived in Virginia in 1673.



  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  3. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
  4. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print


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