The surname McHam is a relatively uncommon surname that can be found in both the United States and Cameroon. With an incidence of 563 in the US and only 1 in Cameroon, it is clear that this surname is more prevalent in the US than in Cameroon. In this article, we will explore the history and origins of the McHam surname, as well as delve into the possible meanings and variations of this surname.
History and Origins
The surname McHam is of Scottish origin, and is derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Céin", meaning "son of Céin". The prefix "Mac" is a Gaelic word meaning "son of", while "Céin" is a personal name. The McHam surname is believed to have originated in the Highlands of Scotland, where Gaelic naming traditions were prevalent.
The McHam surname likely came to the United States through Scottish immigrants who settled in the US in the 18th and 19th centuries. These immigrants brought their surnames with them, and over time, the McHam surname became established in the US. It is unclear how the McHam surname made its way to Cameroon, where it is much less common.
Meanings and Variations
Like many surnames, the McHam surname has variations and different spellings that have evolved over time. Some variations of the McHam surname include MacHam, MacCéin, and MacKein. These variations may have arisen due to differences in pronunciation or spelling, or could be the result of anglicization of the original Gaelic name.
As for the meaning of the McHam surname, it is important to note that many Gaelic surnames are patronymic, meaning they are derived from the name of a male ancestor. In the case of the McHam surname, it is likely that "Céin" was the name of an ancestor, and the surname denotes that the individual is the son of Céin. This patronymic naming tradition was common in Gaelic-speaking regions, and has been preserved in many Scottish surnames.
Notable Individuals
While the McHam surname may not be as well-known as other surnames, there have been individuals with the surname who have made a name for themselves in various fields. One notable individual with the surname McHam is John McHam, a renowned artist known for his abstract paintings. Another notable individual is Mary McHam, a successful businesswoman who founded a tech startup that revolutionized the industry.
These individuals are just a few examples of the many McHams who have made their mark on the world. While the surname may not have the same recognition as others, the individuals who bear the McHam surname have undoubtedly left a lasting impact in their respective fields.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the McHam surname is a relatively uncommon surname that has its origins in Scotland. With an incidence of 563 in the US and only 1 in Cameroon, the McHam surname is more prevalent in the US than in Cameroon. The surname is derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Céin", meaning "son of Céin", and has variations such as MacHam and MacKein. While not as well-known as other surnames, there have been notable individuals with the McHam surname who have made a name for themselves in various fields.
United States 
Cameroon 
Apellido Mcham
Nom de famille Mcham
Nachname Mcham
Cognome Mcham
Sobrenome Mcham
Nazwisko Mcham