Origin & Meaning of the Kelm Surname
What does the last name Kelm mean?
The surname Kelm carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 2,011 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Kelm ranks as the #14,768 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Kelm come from?
The Kelm surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European 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 Kelm name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Kelm trace back to European. 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 | Kelm |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #14,768 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,011 |
| Per 100K People | 0.68 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Kelm
According to the US Census, the Kelm surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,011 Americans with the Kelm last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 95.67% |
| Hispanic | 2.09% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.5% |
| Two or More Races | 1.09% |
Popularity of Kelm Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Kelm surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Kelm surname decreased by 577 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Kelm
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Kelm.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Kelm.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kelm
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