Denham: a male name of Old English (Anglo-saxon) origin meaning "This name is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is locational from places so called in Buckinghamshire and Suffolk and a place called “Denholme” in Yorkshire".It derives from the Old English (Anglo-saxon) word "denu ham > Denholme > Denholm".
Denham has maintained its appeal as a masculine name in modern times while preserving its Old English (Anglo-saxon) roots. Today, parents are drawn to its meaningful essence of "This name is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is locational from places so called in Buckinghamshire and Suffolk and a place called “Denholme” in Yorkshire" and its cultural richness. This name bridges traditional heritage with contemporary naming trends.
Quick Facts About Denham
Quick facts about Denham
Origin
Old English (Anglo-saxon)
Gender
Boy name
Popularity
Moderately popular
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
This name is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is locational from places so called in Buckinghamshire and Suffolk and a place called “Denholme” in Yorkshire. The place-name derives from the Old English (Anglo-Saxon) pre-7th-Century “denu,” meaning “valley” plus “ham,” meaning “homestead.” The name means “dweller at the farm in the valley.” 1) Denholm is a small village located between Jedburgh and Hawick in the Scottish Borders region of Scotland, UK. 2) Denham is the administrative town for the Shire of Shark Bay, Western Australia. At the 2016 census, Denham had a population of 754.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
denu ham > Denholme > Denholm
How to Pronounce Denham
Denham is pronounced /ˈdɛn.əm/(English)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Den-ham
Say it like: "DEN-HAM"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Denham is predominantly used in english speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.
english
Frequently Asked Questions About Denham
What does the name Denham mean?
Denham means "This name is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is locational from places so called in Buckinghamshire and Suffolk and a place called “Denholme” in Yorkshire. The place-name derives from the Old English (Anglo-Saxon) pre-7th-Century “denu,” meaning “valley” plus “ham,” meaning “homestead.” The name means “dweller at the farm in the valley.” 1) Denholm is a small village located between Jedburgh and Hawick in the Scottish Borders region of Scotland, UK. 2) Denham is the administrative town for the Shire of Shark Bay, Western Australia. At the 2016 census, Denham had a population of 754.". The name comes from denu ham > Denholme > Denholm. This old english (anglo-saxon) name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Denham for boys often connect with the name's meaning of "This name is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is locational from places so called in Buckinghamshire and Suffolk and a place called “Denholme” in Yorkshire. The place-name derives from the Old English (Anglo-Saxon) pre-7th-Century “denu,” meaning “valley” plus “ham,” meaning “homestead.” The name means “dweller at the farm in the valley.” 1) Denholm is a small village located between Jedburgh and Hawick in the Scottish Borders region of Scotland, UK. 2) Denham is the administrative town for the Shire of Shark Bay, Western Australia. At the 2016 census, Denham had a population of 754." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Denham's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance.
What is the origin of the name Denham?
Denham is a old english (anglo-saxon) name. The name traces back to denu ham > Denholme > Denholm. The name remains closely tied to english naming traditions while occasionally appearing in other cultures. The old english (anglo-saxon) meaning "This name is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is locational from places so called in Buckinghamshire and Suffolk and a place called “Denholme” in Yorkshire. The place-name derives from the Old English (Anglo-Saxon) pre-7th-Century “denu,” meaning “valley” plus “ham,” meaning “homestead.” The name means “dweller at the farm in the valley.” 1) Denholm is a small village located between Jedburgh and Hawick in the Scottish Borders region of Scotland, UK. 2) Denham is the administrative town for the Shire of Shark Bay, Western Australia. At the 2016 census, Denham had a population of 754." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Denham a boy or girl name?
Denham is a boy's name. The name has been used for boys across many generations, maintaining its masculine character through different eras and cultures. In old english (anglo-saxon) tradition, Denham has historically been given to boys. The meaning "This name is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is locational from places so called in Buckinghamshire and Suffolk and a place called “Denholme” in Yorkshire. The place-name derives from the Old English (Anglo-Saxon) pre-7th-Century “denu,” meaning “valley” plus “ham,” meaning “homestead.” The name means “dweller at the farm in the valley.” 1) Denholm is a small village located between Jedburgh and Hawick in the Scottish Borders region of Scotland, UK. 2) Denham is the administrative town for the Shire of Shark Bay, Western Australia. At the 2016 census, Denham had a population of 754." carries well for a son, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Denham?
Denham is pronounced "/ˈdɛn.əm/". This pronunciation follows en language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Denham is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with old english (anglo-saxon) names, listening to a native speaker say Denham can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis.
How popular is the name Denham?
Denham is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Denham offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Denham's popularity may vary between old english (anglo-saxon) communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is locational from places so called in Buckinghamshire and Suffolk and a place called “Denholme” in Yorkshire. The place-name derives from the Old English (Anglo-Saxon) pre-7th-Century “denu,” meaning “valley” plus “ham,” meaning “homestead.” The name means “dweller at the farm in the valley.” 1) Denholm is a small village located between Jedburgh and Hawick in the Scottish Borders region of Scotland, UK. 2) Denham is the administrative town for the Shire of Shark Bay, Western Australia. At the 2016 census, Denham had a population of 754." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among boys' names, Denham holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Denham commonly used?
Denham is used primarily in english naming traditions. Though old english (anglo-saxon) in origin, Denham found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "This name is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is locational from places so called in Buckinghamshire and Suffolk and a place called “Denholme” in Yorkshire. The place-name derives from the Old English (Anglo-Saxon) pre-7th-Century “denu,” meaning “valley” plus “ham,” meaning “homestead.” The name means “dweller at the farm in the valley.” 1) Denholm is a small village located between Jedburgh and Hawick in the Scottish Borders region of Scotland, UK. 2) Denham is the administrative town for the Shire of Shark Bay, Western Australia. At the 2016 census, Denham had a population of 754." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Denham into their naming traditions. A child named Denham will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Denham is given to boys, maintaining consistent gender association.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.