Origin & Meaning of the Ketchum Surname
What does the last name Ketchum mean?
The surname Ketchum 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 8,407 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Ketchum ranks as the #4,213 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Ketchum come from?
The Ketchum 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 Ketchum name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Ketchum 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 | Ketchum |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #4,213 |
| US Count (2010) | 8,407 |
| Per 100K People | 2.85 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Ketchum
According to the US Census, the Ketchum surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 8,407 Americans with the Ketchum last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 88.18% |
| Black | 3.6% |
| Hispanic | 2.85% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.57% |
| Native American | 2.83% |
| Two or More Races | 1.96% |
Popularity of Ketchum Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Ketchum surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Ketchum surname increased by 178 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Ketchum Family
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- ✓ The Ketchum coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
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- ✓ Notable Ketchum bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Ketchum
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Ketchum.
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 Ketchum.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ketchum
Top Surnames Starting with K
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter K, ranked by population.
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