Surname Ingraham - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'I'
Ingraham: What does the surname Ingraham mean?
The last name Ingraham is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from the old personal name Engelram, which combines the elements 'engel', meaning angel and 'hraban', meaning raven. Throughout history, it has been modified in various forms due to changes due to regional differences in pronunciation and spelling conventions, eventually evolving into its modern version as Ingraham. This surname is common in the United States, England, and other English-speaking countries. It may also be found as Ingram, Ingold, or Ingle. It can also be an Anglicized version of the Scottish Gaelic name Mac an Righ, meaning "son of the king". As with any surname, individuals with the last name Ingraham can have diverse cultural, ethnic, and ancestral backgrounds.
Order DNA origin analysisIngraham: Where does the name Ingraham come from?
The surname Ingraham is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the old personal name "Ingelram," an old Norman name that became popular in England after the Norman Conquest in 1066. The name is composed of two elements: "Ingel," an extended form of "Ing," the name of a pre 7th Century Norse god who was reputedly the ancestor of the Danish kings, and "hramn," meaning raven.
The earliest recording of this name dates back to the late 12th century, with one Engelramus listed in 1195 in the Pipe Rolls of Westmoreland, England.
Today, the surname Ingraham is common in the United States, significantly in the Northeast and Midwestern regions. Factors such as migration and dispersion have spread the surname wider and thus, Ingraham is not confined to a specific geography within the U.S. The name is also present in other English-speaking countries like Canada and Australia, albeit in smaller numbers. Famous persons with this surname include Laura Ingraham, a prominent American TV host and political commentator.
Variations of the surname Ingraham
The surname Ingraham is of British origin and has several known variations and similar surnames. These versions are results of discrepancies in translation from its old Scandinavian origin, seen in various cultures and eras.
Variations of Ingraham can include: Ingram, Ingrum, Ingaram, Ingelram, Ingelran etc. Some of these versions could have evolved due to different phonetic spellings, regional dialects, or even clerical errors. It is also common to see shifts in spelling over time.
The surname Ingram is the most common variant and is closely related to Ingraham. Smaller modifications include changing the “a” to a “u,” as with Ingrum, or extending the name such as in Ingelram or Ingelran.
The name originated from the old Norse name Engelram, broken down to "engel," meaning angel, and "ram," meaning raven. It later became Anglicized in England after the Norman invasion. These variants represent the history, migration, and evolution of the surname and the families that carry it.
Famous people with the name Ingraham
- Laura Ingraham: a popular American radio and TV talk show host known for her conservative political views.
- Thomas Ingraham: an American actor who has appeared in numerous films and TV series, including Alias and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
- James Ingraham: a notable American artist who has painted portraits of distinguished individuals, such as former President George H. W. Bush.
- John Ingraham: a former professional tennis player and coach who was the U.S. Open Mixed Doubles champion from 1972 to 1974.
- Michael Ingraham: an American musician, producer, and singer-songwriter who has released several studio albums and performed with multiple bands, including the Krewmen.
- George Ingraham: a former professional baseball player who played for several Major League Baseball teams, including the Washington Nationals and Detroit Tigers.
- Edward Ingraham: an American author, best known for his novel, The Man with the Iron Heart.
- William Ingraham: a notable British-American entrepreneur who was a pioneer in the manufacture of glass and earthenware.
- Elton Ingraham: a former American jazz and soul saxophonist who worked with several legendary musicians, such as Aretha Franklin, Etta James, and Stevie Wonder.
- Jeffrey Ingraham: an American novelist and science fiction author whose works include Commandment and Planetfall.