Derham Surname: Origin, Meaning & Coat of Arms

The name Derham is closely linked to Durham. Read literally, Derham points to “Hill island”.

Heraldry and the Derham name

Heraldry is personal: arms associated with the Durham surname were borne by specific families, and sharing the name does not mean sharing the blazon.

How the spelling arose

Derham writes “e” in place of the “u” found in Durham, a common scribal difference. Before spelling was standardised, one family could appear under several forms. You may also find the name written Durhame and Durram.

The 2010 US Census counted 356 people named Derham, ranking it number 57,234 among American surnames. For the full story, order the Derham surname pack.