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.
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.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 23.13% |
| Black | 71.41% |
| Hispanic | 2.1% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.27% |
| Native American | 0.36% |
| Two or More Races | 2.73% |
Popularity of Chisolm Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Chisolm surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Chisolm surname increased by 423 between 2000 and 2010.
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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
Top Surnames Starting with C
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter C, ranked by population.
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