Gresham
A habitational surname from places named Gresham, especially in Norfolk, meaning “gravelly homestead” or “homestead by gravel.”
The #3,162 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 27,054 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Gresham is a locational surname, taken from the village of Gresham in Norfolk. The place-name is generally explained from Old English elements meaning “gravel” and “homestead” or “village,” referring to a settlement on or near gravelly ground. As with many English surnames, the family name would originally identify someone who came from that place.
History
Historical records in the excerpts connect bearers of the name to Norfolk, and later to prominent London families. The surname became best known through Sir Thomas Gresham (16th century), the merchant and founder of the Royal Exchange. Medieval and later records show the name spreading beyond its Norfolk homeland as bearers moved into public life and commerce.
Origin
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Fun fact
Sir Thomas Gresham’s name helped make the surname widely recognized in English history, especially in connection with London trade and finance.
From the historical record
“Wright's Essmjs, 1. 134. GRESHAM. A parish In Norfolk. GRESLEY, Did no such place as Gresley, co. Derby, exist, I should be dis- posed to assign, as the ancestor of the family, that Domesd. tenant, Albertus Greslct, who held " inter Eipara ct ]Mersam ;'' but the Gresley pedigree is clearly traced to the Con- quest…”
— Patronymica Britannica: a dictionary of the family names of the United Kingdom