Latham

Meaning of Latham

Latham is a masculine name of English origin that began life as a toponymic surname, deriving from the medieval Lancashire place-name Lathom and ultimately from Old English and Old Norse elements meaning “barn” or “farmstead.” As a given name it carries a subtly rural resonance alongside a sense of reserved distinction. In the United States, Latham has never been common—17 boys received the name in 2024, ranking it 907th in popularity—but it has maintained a steady, if modest, presence within the lower tier of the top 1,000 since the early 1940s. Notable historical bearers such as the 18th-century English judge John Latham and the 20th-century conceptual artist John Latham contribute an undercurrent of intellectual gravitas. With its concise two-syllable pronunciation (LAY-thum), Latham appeals to parents seeking a name that is both grounded in tradition and quietly distinctive.