Find out how popular the last name Halem is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Halem.

Halem, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Halem surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Halem in America

Halem is the 102691st most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Halem surname appeared 162 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Halem.

The history of the last name Halem

The surname Halem has its origins in Germany, a country known for its rich history and complex linguistic heritage. The name is believed to have originated during the Middle Ages, specifically around the 12th or 13th centuries. The areas most associated with the surname Halem are predominantly in northern Germany, particularly within the territories of Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein. The name itself is derived from older Germanic elements; "hal" could be referring to a hall or large house, while "em" might denote a region or place.

Similar spellings and variations of Halem have been recorded over the centuries. For instance, the name Hallem appears in old transcripts, which was a common variation. Moreover, the locality names such as Halemstede or Halemer were often associated with the surname. These place names help to establish a geographical link to the name and its bearers.

Throughout history, there are several notable references to the surname Halem in various records. One of the earliest documented instances occurred in the "Lüneburg Codex", an ancient manuscript dating back to the late 13th century, where a certain Johannes Halem was mentioned. This historical reference provides valuable insight into the dissemination of the name during that period.

Another significant figure bearing the surname was Georg Halem, born in 1512 and died in 1583, who served as a respected clerk for the city of Hamburg. His contributions to municipal governance were well-documented in the city archives, highlighting the prominence of the Halem name in regional administration.

In the 17th century, Dietrich von Halem (1624-1698), a nobleman and military leader, held significant sway in the duchy of Mecklenburg. His exploits in the Thirty Years' War were recorded in several historical accounts, amplifying the reach and recognition of the surname.

The 18th century saw the emergence of Johann Wilhelm Halem (1760-1835), a notable scholar and academic, who held a professorship at the University of Göttingen. His numerous publications on philology and history remain influential, and he garnered considerable respect within academic circles.

In the realm of the arts, Carl Ferdinand Halem, born in 1802 and passing in 1870, made his mark as an accomplished painter, whose works were featured in several prominent galleries across Europe. His legacy further contributed to the diverse impact of the Halem surname in different spheres of life.

Finally, a notable historical figure from the 19th century is Wilhelm Otto von Halem (1826-1894), who served as an influential politician in the German Empire. His tenure in various political offices was well-documented in parliamentary records, enhancing the historical footprint of the Halem surname.

These historical references provide a vibrant tapestry of the Halem surname and highlight its varied contributions within different societal sectors over the centuries. The origins and subsequent diffusion of the surname Halem underscore its significant place within the annals of German history.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Halem

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Halem.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Halem was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Halem was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Halem, please contact us.

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