Needham

Needham is predominantly a surname of English origin that occasionally appears as a masculine given name. It originated as a locational surname for someone from one of several places called Needham in England, particularly in Norfolk and Suffolk. The place name itself derives from Old English elements 'nēod' meaning 'need' or 'necessity' and 'hām' meaning 'homestead' or 'settlement'. As a first name, Needham is extremely rare, chosen by families with ancestral connections to the surname or those seeking a distinguished English-sounding name with historical significance. The name carries an air of traditional English heritage and dignified ancestry, appealing to parents drawn to uncommon surname-as-first-name options.

Pronounced NEED-um.

As of October 2026, Needham ranked #4459 for boys in US births in 1962 SSA, peaked at #654 for boys in 1890.