Chisolm — Last Name Origin & Meaning

African American origin Rank #7,508 in the US 4,435 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#7,508
▲ Up 134 since 2000
People in the US
4,435
1.5 per 100K people
Origin
African American
English

Origin & Meaning of the Chisolm Surname

What does the last name Chisolm mean?

The surname Chisolm carries the meaning "Surname with roots in African American heritage." It is derived from the English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 4,435 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Chisolm ranks as the #7,508 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Chisolm come from?

The Chisolm surname has its roots in African American heritage. Names of African American origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Chisolm name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Chisolm trace back to English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.

African American English

Quick Facts

Surname Chisolm
Meaning Surname with roots in African American heritage
Origin African American
Language English
US Rank (2010) #7,508
US Count (2010) 4,435
Per 100K People 1.5
First Letter C

Ethnic Distribution of Chisolm

According to the US Census, the Chisolm surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,435 Americans with the Chisolm last name.

White 23.13%
Black 71.41%
Hispanic 2.1%
Asian/PI 0.27%
Native American 0.36%
Two+ Races 2.73%
Ethnic distribution of the Chisolm surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White23.13%
Black71.41%
Hispanic2.1%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.27%
Native American0.36%
Two or More Races2.73%

Popularity of Chisolm Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Chisolm surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#7,642
4,012 people
Up 134
Census 2010
#7,508
4,435 people

The number of Americans with the Chisolm surname increased by 423 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Chisolm Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Chisolm ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

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Similar Surnames to Chisolm

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Chisolm.

Other African American Surnames

Explore more surnames with African American roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same African American origin as Chisolm.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chisolm

The surname Chisolm is of African American origin. Surname with roots in African American heritage
The surname Chisolm is ranked #7,508 in the United States with approximately 4,435 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
Surname with roots in African American heritage. The name has African American roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Chisolm surname is distributed as: 23.1% White, 71.4% Black. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Chisolm ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

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