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

Shortsleeves, 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 Shortsleeves surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Shortsleeves in America

Shortsleeves is the 146011th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Shortsleeves surname appeared 104 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 Shortsleeves.

The history of the last name Shortsleeves

The surname Shortsleeves likely originates from England, with its roots tracing back to the medieval period. Derived from a descriptive form of the English words "short" and "sleeves," it was used to describe someone who wore short-sleeved garments, perhaps out of practicality or profession. The earliest instances of similar surnames appear in records from the 13th century, around the time surnames were becoming hereditary in England.

One possible early reference to the name can be found in the Tudor period during the reign of Henry VII. Records from the late 15th century mention a John Shortsleeves in the parish rolls of Staffordshire, a county in the West Midlands of England. His occupation was noted as a yeoman, indicating a farmer who owned his own land.

The name also appears in maritime records. Thomas Shortsleeves, born in 1564 in Kent, was a sailor recorded in the maritime logs of the English Navy. His career spanned several significant naval battles, including the confrontation with the Spanish Armada in 1588, where he served aboard the HMS Victory.

In the 17th century, the surname made its way to the American colonies. One notable individual, Richard Shortsleeves, emigrated from England to Massachusetts in 1635. He was part of the Great Migration of Puritans seeking religious freedom in the New World. Records from the Plymouth Colony list him as a settler engaged in farming and trade.

Another figure of historical interest is Susannah Shortsleeves, born in 1698 in Sussex, England. She became known for her work with herbal remedies, earning a reputation as a healer in her community. Her knowledge was documented in a manuscript of the time, detailing various treatments she used for common ailments.

In more recent centuries, John Henry Shortsleeves, born in 1792, was a notable figure in the early 19th-century textile industry in Lancashire. His innovations in the manufacturing process contributed significantly to the efficiency and output of cotton mills during the Industrial Revolution.

Throughout history, the surname Shortsleeves has appeared sporadically in various records, often associated with individuals known for their practical skills or unique professions. Its enduring presence can be traced through historical documents and records, reflecting a legacy tied to the common garment description from which it originated.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Shortsleeves

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

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

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

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