Cheatham (surname)

Cheatham is a surname of English origin. It is believed to be a locational name derived from a place in Lancashire, England, called Cheetham, which is derived from the Old English "cēte" meaning a cottage or hut and "hām" meaning a homestead, village, or enclosure. Therefore, the name likely originally meant "homestead with cottages."

The surname Cheatham is found primarily in England and the United States. Variations in spelling may include Cheetham, Cheetam, and Chetem.

People with the surname Cheatham have achieved prominence in various fields, including:

• Benjamin Franklin Cheatham (1820-1886): A Confederate general during the American Civil War.

• Henry Plummer Cheatham (1857-1935): An American educator and politician, who served as a U.S. Representative from North Carolina.

Genealogical research into the Cheatham surname can reveal more detailed information about family history, migration patterns, and historical connections.