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

Mishaw, 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 Mishaw surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Mishaw in America

Mishaw is the 150452nd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Mishaw surname appeared 109 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 Mishaw.

The history of the last name Mishaw

The surname MISHAW has its origins in the northern regions of England, particularly Yorkshire and Lancashire, dating back to the late medieval period around the 13th century. It is believed to be derived from the Old English words "mið" and "sceaga," which together translate to "amid the woods" or "in the midst of the forest," suggesting that the name's bearers may have resided in or near wooded areas.

The earliest documented instances of the MISHAW surname can be traced back to the Yorkshire area, where it appears in various records and historical documents from the 14th and 15th centuries. One notable mention is found in the Wakefield Court Rolls of 1379, which references a Robert Mishaw as a landowner in the region.

In the 16th century, the MISHAW name appears to have spread throughout northern England, with records indicating families bearing the surname in counties such as Cheshire and Lancashire. The variations in spelling, including Mishawe, Mishough, and Mishhaw, were common during this period due to the inconsistencies in record-keeping and the lack of standardized spelling conventions.

Among the notable historical figures bearing the MISHAW surname was Sir John Mishaw (1540-1612), a prominent English merchant and diplomat who served as the ambassador to the Ottoman Empire under Queen Elizabeth I. His diplomatic efforts played a crucial role in establishing trade relations between England and the Ottoman Empire.

Another individual of note was William Mishaw (1675-1742), a renowned English clockmaker and horologist who contributed significantly to the development of precision timekeeping devices during the early 18th century. His intricate clocks and watches were highly sought after by the wealthy elite of the time.

In the realm of literature, the MISHAW surname is associated with the playwright and poet, Mary Mishaw (1735-1809). Her works, though lesser-known today, were celebrated during the Romantic period and often explored themes of love, nature, and the human condition.

The name MISHAW also found its way into the annals of military history with the exploits of Captain James Mishaw (1802-1879), a British army officer who served in the Crimean War. His bravery and leadership during the Siege of Sevastopol earned him numerous accolades and commendations.

While the MISHAW surname may not be among the most widespread today, its origins and historical significance in northern England have left an indelible mark on the region's cultural heritage, spanning centuries and encompassing various facets of society, from commerce and diplomacy to the arts and military endeavors.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Mishaw

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

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

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

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