The first to bear the Latham surname was a Saxon traitor named Dunning, living in Lancashire about the time of the Norman conquest in 1066 A.D.

Because of his collaboration with the Normans and betrayal of his Saxon heritage, the Normans rewarded Dunning with the lordship of the Chapelry of Lathom and its surrounds, the title of Earl, and knighthood. Thus Dunning, became Sir Dunning Lathom, Earl of Lathom in the Spring of 1067.

The Lathom House, the Chapelry of Lathom and even the town of Lathom itself would later become a part of the city of Ormskirk, Lancashire, England.

The original meaning of the place name Lathom or Latham was 'the barn house,' which probably meant a warehouse or storehouse. The two earliest place names were the Chapelry of Lathom, in Lancashire, England; and the town of Latham, in Yorkshire, England.

The Lathom Family Crest is 'A pelican on her nest.' The Lathom Coats of Arms is: Or, on a chief indented azure, three plates.