Putnam

The surname Putnam has its origins in England, dating back to the medieval period. It is a locational name derived from the place name Puttenham, which is found in several counties including Surrey, Hertfordshire, and Buckinghamshire. The name is believed to derive from the Old English words "pytt" meaning a pit or hollow and "ham" meaning a homestead or village, thus translating to "the homestead or village by the pit or hollow."

One of the earliest recorded references to the surname can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as "Puteham." This entry refers to a location in Surrey, which was likely the original place from which the surname originated. In the 13th century, the name appeared in various forms such as "Puttenho," "Puttenhaw," and "Putteham" in various county records and tax rolls.

The first recorded instance of the spelling "Putnam" dates back to the late 16th century, with a Thomas Putnam mentioned in the parish records of Hertfordshire in 1586. This spelling became more commonly adopted over time, though variations such as "Puttenham" and "Puttnam" persisted for several centuries.

One notable figure associated with the Putnam surname is John Putnam (1579-1662), an early settler of Salem, Massachusetts, who arrived in the New World in 1634. He played a significant role in the establishment of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and served as a magistrate and lieutenant in the local militia.

Another prominent individual was Israel Putnam (1718-1790), a major general in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He is renowned for his courageous actions in battles such as the Battle of Bunker Hill and the Battle of Long Island, and his daring escape from British dragoons has become a legendary tale.

In the literary realm, the name is associated with Mary Putnam Jacobi (1842-1906), a pioneering physician and writer who played a pivotal role in advancing women's rights and advocating for their admission to medical schools and professions.

George Palmer Putnam (1814-1872) was a prominent American publisher and founder of the publishing house G.P. Putnam's Sons, which played a significant role in the literary world of the 19th century.

Rufus Putnam (1738-1824) was a notable figure in the early history of the United States, serving as a surveyor and one of the founders of the settlement of Marietta, Ohio, which was the first permanent American settlement in the Northwest Territory.