Origin and Meaning of Chatham

Town on the canal

Origin: English - Derived from the Old English elements 'cæt' (cat) and 'ham' (homestead) or 'hām' (village, settlement). Chatham is also a place name in England.

• Chatham is primarily recognized as a town in Kent, England, historically significant for its naval shipyard.
• The name has been used both as a surname and a place name, reflecting its geographical roots.
• Notable bearers include Chatham, Massachusetts, which was named after the English town, and several notable people with the surname, such as William Pitt the Elder, the 1st Earl of Chatham.
• While not exceedingly common as a first name, Chatham is gaining popularity, particularly in modern naming trends that favor place names.
• Variations of the name can include Chath or Chathams, but the name does not have widely recognized diminutives or variations like many traditional names.