Lamber

The surname Lamber has its origins in England, with the earliest recorded instances dating back to the 13th century. The name is believed to be derived from the Old English word "lamb" or "lambe," which refers to a young sheep or lamb. This suggests that the name may have been initially used as a descriptive surname, referring to someone who worked with or was associated with lambs or sheep.

In the Domesday Book of 1086, a record of landowners in England compiled by William the Conqueror, there are several entries of individuals with the name Lambe or similar spellings, such as Lambert and Lambard. This indicates that the name was already in use during the Norman era.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the surname Lamber was William Lamber, who is mentioned in the Pipe Rolls of Gloucestershire in 1194. The Pipe Rolls were financial records kept by the English Exchequer, suggesting that William Lamber was a landowner or a person of some standing in the county.

Another early example is Robert Lamber, who is recorded in the Rotuli Hundredorum, a survey of landowners and freemen in England conducted between 1274 and 1275. This entry indicates that the name was well-established by the late 13th century.

In the 14th century, there are records of individuals with the surname Lamber in various regions of England, including Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and Norfolk. This suggests that the name had spread across the country by this time.

Notable individuals with the surname Lamber include:

1. John Lamber (c. 1450 - 1500), an English clergyman and author who wrote a treatise on the Sacraments. 2. Thomas Lamber (c. 1530 - 1588), an English Protestant martyr who was burned at the stake during the Marian Persecutions. 3. John Lamber (c. 1570 - 1640), an English merchant and politician who served as a Member of Parliament for Exeter in 1624. 4. William Lamber (c. 1635 - 1700), an English mathematician and astronomer who made contributions to the study of comets and planetary motion. 5. Elizabeth Lamber (c. 1690 - 1760), an English poet and essayist who wrote under the pseudonym "Philomela."

While the surname Lamber may have evolved from various place names or locations associated with lambs or sheep, the exact origin remains uncertain. However, its long history and presence in numerous historical records across England attest to its deep roots and significance as an English surname.