Mitham

This very rare surname also recorded as Mithon, Mithun, Mitham etc. is locational. It derives from one of the English villages called Mitton or Mytton, of which there are a number of examples throughout the country. The name means, the place (tun) at the 'mydd, or in effect the middle of the settlement, from the Olde English pre 7th century. The modern' spelling form is the result of local dialect and poor spelling, as the original nameholders moved further away from their homes. The probable source of the surname is the Staffordshire region, as it was in this county that the coat of arms was granted in circa 1660. The arms themselves have the blazon of - per pale, blue and red, a two headed silver eagle displayed. Examples of the name recording include Anne Mythen, christened at St Giles Cripplegate, London on January 21st 1643, and James Mithon, christened at St James Poultrey, London, on December 13th 1663. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Jodan de Mitton, which was dated 1219, in the register of the Assize Court, Yorkshire, during the reign of King Henry 111, known as 'The Frenchman', 1216 - 1272. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.