What is the origin of the last name Ingram?

The last name Ingram originated from England, deriving from the Old English personal name "Engelram" or "Engelramm." The name consists of two elements: "Engel," meaning "angel" or "god," and "ramm," meaning "raven." Over time, "Engelram" evolved into "Ingram," a patronymic surname indicating descent from someone named Engelram. The name Ingram has been recorded since the 11th century and has rich historical associations, particularly in the north of England.

Countries of origin for the last name Ingram

The last name Ingram has a rich history and a fascinating etymology. Here are the key facts and findings about this surname:

Ingram is an English surname that originated from the Old Norse personal name Ingirāmr, composed of the elements Ing, meaning “a Danish or Norse god,” and Rāmr, meaning “raven”. This suggests that the name may have had both mythological and animalistic connotations.

The first recorded instance of the surname Ingram dates back to the 13th century in Norfolk, England. Over time, the name has evolved and taken on various spelling variations, including Ingraham, Ingham, and Ingrams.

The Ingram surname has been associated with several notable individuals throughout history. For instance, Sir Thomas de Inghram was an English knight who fought alongside King Edward III in the Hundred Years’ War. John Ingram, another prominent figure, was the founder of the Ingram publishing dynasty in the United States during the 19th century.

Historical records indicate that the name Ingram was brought to America through immigration in the 17th and 18th centuries. Many Ingrams settled in Virginia and North Carolina, where their descendants have proliferated across the country.

According to United States census data, the Ingram surname remains relatively common today. It ranks as the 423rd most popular surname in the country, with concentrations in southern states such as Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee.

Given the variety of spelling variations and the diffusion of the Ingram surname, it is likely that individuals bearing this name share a common ancestry. However, due to the limitations of available records and the passage of time, establishing precise genealogical connections presents a significant challenge.

The Ingram surname offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of history, mythology, and migration. While much is known about its origins and prominent bearers, there are still mysteries to unravel and stories to unearth. Exploring the complexities of the Ingram surname further may reveal hidden connections and shed light on the unique journeys of those who bear this name.

Interesting facts about the last name Ingram

  • The surname Ingram is of English origin.
  • It is derived from the Old Norse personal name “Ingirama,” which means “the universally respected one.”
  • The name Ingram was first recorded in Northumberland, England, in the 12th century.
  • During the Middle Ages, Ingram became a popular given name that was later adopted as a surname.
  • Ingram has variant spellings, including Ingraham, Ingrams, and Ingrame.
  • The Ingram family was influential in the political and social landscape of England throughout history.
  • In the United States, many Ingram immigrants arrived in the early 17th century, settling primarily in Virginia and Maryland.
  • There are several notable individuals with the surname Ingram, including American basketball player Brandon Ingram and British actress Laura Elizabeth Robson Ingram.
  • The name Ingram is associated with qualities such as leadership, respect, and high social status.
  • Today, the surname Ingram is relatively popular in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States.

Name Rank

#484

There are around 69345 people with the last name Ingram in the US

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