The surname Rotheram no doubt arose in a hamlet on the river Rother, in what is now South Yorkshire, United Kingdom. Perhaps the original version was Rotherham, like the present day town in the same spot. Henry de Rotherham is mentioned in the Assize Rolls for Staffordshire in 1356. Clearly, the name was travelling even then.

Spelling used to be very inconsistent, and pronunciation alters. So, with the dropped 'aitches' common in northern England, it's easy to see how some people came to spell their name 'Rotheram' (or have it done for them). Other variants include Rothram, Rudrum and Rudderham.

Bob Rotheram