Brigham
A place-based surname from a village name meaning “homestead by the bridge” or “bridge homestead.”
The #5,369 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 47,609 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Brigham is a habitational surname taken from one or more English places called Brigham, especially the place in Cumberland. The name is usually explained from Old English elements meaning “bridge” and “homestead, village, or settlement,” so the literal sense is something like “bridge homestead.” Older sources sometimes discuss it alongside other place-names ending in -ham, but the bridge element is the key to its distinctive form.
History
The surname appears in northern England and the surrounding counties, which fits its origin in a local place-name. Later it spread more widely, especially through migration to the United States and other English-speaking countries. In Scotland, Brigham is also the name of a historic meeting place in Berwickshire, but that is a place-name usage rather than the surname’s origin.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
Brigham is associated with the famous 1290 “Parliament of Brigham,” when plans were discussed for the marriage of Margaret of Norway to Prince Edward of England.
From the historical record
“Durham, parish of Sedgefleld ; Cs) a chapelry in co. Cumberland, parish of Brigham, Loodoo, 8. Emelot.— Bapt. ' the son of Emma,' from the nick. Em, and”
— A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, with special American instances