Show ContentsNeem History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Neem family

The surname Neem was first found in Lincolnshire where one of the first records of the name was Richard le Naim who was listed in the Pipe Rolls of that shire (1170-1178.) A few years later, John Nepos, le Neim was listed in the Curia Regis Rolls for Surrey in 1214. In Worcestershire, John le Neim (c. 1280) and John le Naym (1327) were listed in the Subsidy Rolls. Year later, John Naym was listed in the Inquisitions and Assessments relating to Feudal Aids in 1431. 1 The name was also traditionally known as a nickname having derived from the Old English word "neme" which meant "uncle." 2

Early History of the Neem family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Neem research. Another 110 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1175, 1430, 1510, 1600, 1698 and 1864 are included under the topic Early Neem History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Neem Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Neem have been found, including Neame, Neeme, Neam, Neem, Neme, Name and others.

Early Notables of the Neem family

Distinguished members of the family include Charles Neame of Harefield Court and John Neame of Selling Court, Kent among the most valuable hop growers in East Kent. The are presumed to be the namesakes of Shepherd Neame, the...
Another 38 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Neem Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Neem family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Some of the first immigrants to cross the Atlantic and come to North America bore the name Neem, or a variant listed above: the name represented in many forms and recorded from the mid 17th century in the great migration from Europe. Migrants settled in the eastern seaboard from Newfoundland, to Maine, to Virginia, the Carolinas, and to the islands..



  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)


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