Holding steady.
Popularity of Needham since 1884
Babies named Needham per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1923, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Needham's real moment was 1890.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 5 |
| 1890s | 26 |
| 1900s | 0 |
| 1910s | 57 |
| 1920s | 107 |
| 1930s | 48 |
| 1940s | 48 |
| 1950s | 32 |
| 1960s | 5 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Needham is a rare English surname-turned-given name, first recorded in 1884. It peaked in 1890 and has since fallen out of common use, never ranking in the top 1,000. The name's stability in the 1890s suggests modest, steady usage during that era. While it lacks a strong revival, it remains a distinctive choice for those drawn to old English surnames.
Needham is an English surname derived from a place name, likely originating from a settlement in Suffolk. The name combines Old English 'nēd' (need, distress) and 'hām' (homestead, village). It was later adopted as a given name, particularly in the 19th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ned
Sibling names for Needham
Names that share Needham's style, for a brother or sister.
