Origin & Meaning of the Mitchell Surname
What does the last name Mitchell mean?
The surname Mitchell carries the meaning "From the Hebrew name Michael meaning 'who is like God?'." It is derived from the Hebrew/English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 384,486 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mitchell ranks as the #48 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mitchell come from?
The Mitchell surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English 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 Mitchell name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mitchell trace back to Hebrew/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 | Mitchell |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From the Hebrew name Michael meaning 'who is like God?' |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Hebrew/English |
| US Rank (2010) | #48 |
| US Count (2010) | 384,486 |
| Per 100K People | 130.34 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mitchell
According to the US Census, the Mitchell surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 384,486 Americans with the Mitchell last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 61.02% |
| Black | 32.5% |
| Hispanic | 2.47% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.48% |
| Native American | 1.04% |
| Two or More Races | 2.5% |
Popularity of Mitchell Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mitchell surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mitchell surname increased by 17,053 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Mitchell Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Mitchell ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Mitchell Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Mitchell
- ✓ The Mitchell coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Mitchell families live today
- ✓ Notable Mitchell bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Mitchell
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Mitchell.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Mitchell.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mitchell
Top Surnames Starting with M
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter M, ranked by population.
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