Pelham is an uncommon English given name of Old English origin. It is derived from the place name Pelham, which is a village located in the county of East Sussex in England. The name Pelham is believed to mean "village with meadows" or "village on a hill," and it is composed of two elements: "pel" meaning "village," and "hamm" meaning "meadow." Alternatively, some sources suggest that the second element could be "ham" meaning "homestead" instead of "meadow."
The name Pelham has been used as both a given name and a surname throughout history. As a given name, it was not particularly common in medieval England, but it did appear occasionally. It is possible that the name may have been more prevalent among the nobility or gentry due to its association with the village of Pelham.
One notable figure associated with the name Pelham is Thomas Pelham (1697-1768), a British statesman who served as the First Earl of Chichester. He was also known for his political activities and was a member of the Whig party.
Overall, Pelham is an uncommon but distinctive English given name with an interesting history rooted in place names and Old English elements. Its meaning, whether interpreted as "village with meadows" or "village on a hill," offers a sense of connection to nature and landscapes.
Pelham is a unique and distinctive name that has been used consistently over the past century in the United States. Between 1912 and 2016, there were a total of 123 babies named Pelham born in the U.S.
The peak years for the name Pelham were between 1912 and 1928, with an average of 7 births per year during this period. The most popular year for the name was 1928, when there were 8 babies named Pelham born that year alone.
After a brief decline in popularity, the name Pelham experienced a slight resurgence in the mid-20th century, with an average of 5 births per year between 1943 and 1973. However, overall, the name Pelham has remained relatively uncommon throughout its history.
While the name Pelham may not be as popular as some other names, it is still a unique and distinctive choice for parents looking for something different. Its consistent usage over the past century indicates that there will likely continue to be babies named Pelham born in the U.S. each year.