Shelmire Surname

The Origins of the Surname Shelmire

The surname Shelmire is a relatively rare surname with a fascinating history. While its exact origins are not entirely clear, it is believed to be of English and possibly Scottish origin. The name is thought to derive from the Old English personal name "Scelmaer," which was composed of the elements "sceal" meaning "shall" or "must" and "maer" meaning "famous" or "renowned." Over time, this personal name evolved into the surname Shelmire as we know it today.

Migration and Distribution

The surname Shelmire has a relatively low incidence in the United States, with only 314 recorded instances. It is most commonly found in the states of Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. In England, there are only 8 recorded instances of the surname in the county of Greater London, indicating a much lesser presence in the United Kingdom. Additionally, there is one recorded instance of the surname in the Bahamas.

United States

In the United States, the surname Shelmire is most prevalent in the southern states, particularly in Texas, where it has the highest incidence. This suggests that the surname may have been brought to the United States by early English settlers who migrated to the southern regions of the country. Over time, the surname has become more widely dispersed across the country, but it is still relatively rare compared to more common surnames.

United Kingdom

The low incidence of the surname Shelmire in the United Kingdom indicates that it is a relatively rare surname in this region. The few instances of the surname in Greater London suggest that it may have been brought to the UK by individuals with English or possibly Scottish ancestry. Further research is needed to determine the exact origins of the surname in the United Kingdom and how it came to be so uncommon compared to other surnames.

Variations and Spelling

Like many surnames, the spelling of Shelmire has likely evolved over time due to factors such as illiteracy, dialects, and clerical errors. Some variations of the surname include Shelmer, Shelmyre, Schelmire, and Shalmer. These variations may be more common in certain regions or among specific branches of the family. Researchers studying the surname Shelmire should be aware of these spelling variations when conducting genealogical research.

Notable Individuals

While the surname Shelmire may not be widely recognized, there have been a few notable individuals with this surname throughout history. One such individual is John Shelmire, a prominent businessman in the early 20th century who founded a successful chain of grocery stores in Texas. Another notable figure is Elizabeth Shelmer, a pioneering female scientist who made significant contributions to the field of botany in the 19th century. These individuals have helped to shape the legacy of the surname Shelmire and contribute to its unique history.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the surname Shelmire is a rare and intriguing surname with English and possibly Scottish origins. While its exact history and origins may be unclear, research suggests that it is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in the southern states. The low incidence of the surname in the United Kingdom and other regions further adds to its mystery and uniqueness. By studying the variations, migration patterns, and notable individuals associated with the surname Shelmire, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of this fascinating surname and its place in history.

The surname Shelmire into the world

Globalization has meant that surnames spread far beyond their nation of origin, such that it is possible to find African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. The same takes place when it comes to Shelmire, which as you can corroborate, it may be stated that it is a surname which can be present in the majority of the nations regarding the world. In the same way there are countries by which truly the density of people with the surname Shelmire is more than far away.

The map regarding the Shelmire surname

View Shelmire surname map

The possibility of examining for a world map about which countries hold more Shelmire in the world, assists us a great deal. By placing ourselves regarding the map, on a concrete nation, we are able to see the concrete amount of people utilizing the surname Shelmire, to have this way the precise information of the many Shelmire you could currently get in that nation. All of this additionally helps us to understand not just where the surname Shelmire originates from, but also in excatly what way individuals who're originally part of the household that bears the surname Shelmire have relocated and relocated. In the same manner, it is possible to see in which places they have settled and developed, and that's why if Shelmire is our surname, it seems interesting to which other countries associated with world it is possible that certain of our ancestors once relocated to.

Countries with more Shelmire in the world

  1. United States United States (314)
  2. England England (8)
  3. Bahamas Bahamas (1)