This page needs Javascript enabled in order to work properly. Click here for instructions on how to enable it in your browser.
Surname Header Image
Get access to Raynham family records.Start a 14-Day Free Trial

Raynham Family History

Raynham Surname Meaning

From Rainham (Essex), which is recorded as Reneham in 1086, to Rainham (Kent), noted as Roeginga hám in 811, and including East, South, or West Raynham (Norfolk), recorded as Reineham in 1086, these place-names share an intriguing historical background.

The Kent place-name likely derives from an Old English personal name *Rōega or *Rēga, combined with the group-name suffix -ingas (genitive -inga-), and hām meaning ‘village or homestead’.

In contrast, the Norfolk place-name appears to derive from an Old English personal name *Regna alongside Old English hām.

Interestingly, the Essex place-name is thought to have a similar etymology as the Norfolk place-name, although it may also share origins with the Kent place-name.

This complex interplay of names and origins illustrates the rich linguistic and cultural history inherent in these regions.

Source: The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland, 2016


Similar surnames: 

Search for a relative to learn more about your family history.

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Raynham family from?

You can see how Raynham families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Raynham family name was found in the USA, the UK, and Scotland between 1880 and 1920. The most Raynham families were found in United Kingdom in 1891. In 1891 there were 85 Raynham families living in London. This was about 45% of all the recorded Raynham's in United Kingdom. London had the highest population of Raynham families in 1891.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Raynham surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.
Mapbox
© Mapbox © OpenStreetMap Improve this map

What did your Raynham ancestors do for a living?

In 1939, Agricultural Labourer and Unpaid Domestic Duties were the top reported jobs for men and women in the United Kingdom named Raynham. 25% of Raynham men worked as an Agricultural Labourer and 72% of Raynham women worked as an Unpaid Domestic Duties. Some less common occupations for Americans named Raynham were Farm Labourer and Unpaid Domestic.

View Census Data for Raynham | Data not to scale

*We display top occupations by gender to maintain their historical accuracy during times when men and women often performed different jobs.

Top Male Occupations In 1939

  • Agricultural Labourer
    25%
  • Heavy Lorry Driver
    25%
  • Farm Worker
    25%
  • Farm Labourer
    25%

Top Female Occupations In 1939

  • Unpaid Domestic Duties
    72%
  • Private Means
    8%
  • Housewife
    6%
  • Unpaid Domestic
    4%

What Raynham family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 4,000 census records available for the last name Raynham. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Raynham census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Raynham

Passenger Lists

There are 362 immigration records available for the last name Raynham. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in the UK, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Raynham immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 206 military records available for the last name Raynham. For the veterans among your Raynham ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Raynham military records

You've only scratched the surface of Raynham family history

Discover More

What is the average Raynham lifespan?

Between 1978 and 1991, in the United States, Raynham life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1982, and highest in 1991. The average life expectancy for Raynham in 1978 was 88, and 92 in 1991.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Raynham

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Raynham ancestors lived in harsh conditions. A short lifespan might also indicate health problems that were once prevalent in your family. The SSDI is a searchable database of more than 70 million names. You can find birthdates, death dates, addresses and more.

Discover the unique achievements of ancestors in the Raynham family tree

Explore Your Tree
Search for another surname
Enter last name/surname
Start a 14-Day Free Trial