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

Kellems, 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 Kellems surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Kellems in America

Kellems is the 25620th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Kellems surname appeared 963 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Kellems.

We can also compare 2010 data for Kellems to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Kellems

The surname KELLEMS is believed to have originated in England, with its roots dating back to the medieval period. It is thought to be derived from the Old English word "ciellan," which means "to shout" or "to call out." This suggests that the name may have been initially given to a town crier or someone known for their loud voice.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the KELLEMS name can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as "Chelham." This entry suggests that the name was likely associated with a place name or location, possibly referring to a village or settlement where the family resided.

As the name evolved over the centuries, it took on various spellings, such as Kellam, Kellem, and Kellum, reflecting regional variations and the influence of different dialects. These variations underscore the fluidity of surnames during the Middle Ages and the challenges faced by record-keepers in maintaining consistent spellings.

In the 13th century, a notable figure bearing the KELLEMS name was Sir John Kellems, a knight who fought in the Crusades and was recorded as participating in the siege of Acre in 1191. His bravery and service to King Richard I earned him lands in Nottinghamshire, where the family established a stronghold.

During the 16th century, the KELLEMS family appears to have expanded their presence, with records indicating branches in Warwickshire and Lincolnshire. One notable member from this period was William Kellems (1520-1588), a successful merchant who traded in the wool industry and served as a alderman in the city of Lincoln.

In the 17th century, the KELLEMS name gained further prominence with the birth of Robert Kellems (1635-1709), a prominent theologian and author who wrote extensively on religious matters. His works, including "A Treatise on the Divine Nature" and "Meditations on the Scriptures," influenced the theological discourse of his time.

Another notable figure was Elizabeth Kellems (1756-1834), a pioneering educator who established one of the first schools for girls in Yorkshire. Her efforts to promote equal educational opportunities for women were groundbreaking and paved the way for future generations of female scholars.

As the centuries progressed, the KELLEMS name continued to be associated with various professions and pursuits, from military service to academia, politics, and business. The family's influence stretched across different regions of England, leaving an indelible mark on the country's history and culture.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Kellems

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

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 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Kellems 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.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Kellems has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

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 Kellems was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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