Surname Mitchem - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
Mitchem: What does the surname Mitchem mean?
The last name Mitchem is of English origin. It is believed to have originated in Devon, the southwestern peninsula of England. The name is derived from the Old English word “mætce” which means a meeting place. It probably referred to a person who lived at or near a crossroads area, a place for people to gather for social exchange. Over time, the name developed into Mitchem.
In the United Kingdom, individuals with the surname Mitchem are primarily concentrated in Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Somerset. In the United States, Mitchem is mainly found in South Carolina, Alabama and Mississippi.
The Mitchems were among the earliest settlers who arrived in the Southern United States in the 1700’s. The family had several prominent figures, including Governor David Mitchem of South Carolina and John Mitchem, founder of St. John’s Episcopal Church in North Charleston, South Carolina.
The Mitchem family are also well-known for their strong commitment to their faith and dedication to their country. Over the years, several members of the family have served in the United States military, many earning medals for their distinguished service to their country. Their patriotism and dedication to their faith has made them an important part of American history.
The last name Mitchem signifies a history of patriotism, faith, and family values. It also has served to remind people of the role the Mitchem family played in the early settlement of the Southern United States.
Order DNA origin analysisMitchem: Where does the name Mitchem come from?
The last name Mitchem is most common in the United States today. According to the US Census Bureau, there were almost 3,300 individuals in the United States with the last name Mitchem in 2019. The majority of those individuals were concentrated in the South, where they represented 0.01% of the population.
The states with the largest concentrations of Mitchem's are Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Alabama. In the overlap of the four southern states, the most concentrated of Mitchem's resides in Calhoun County, Georgia, with the population making up 0.04% of the county’s population.
The name has a long history in the Southern United States. Some roots of the name trace back to early 17th-century Puritan settlers who came to the region from Europe. Other roots of the name can be associated with early-1700s immigrants from Ireland and Scotland who settled in North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee.
The Mitchem name still remains prominent in these areas, with numerous current and historical mentions in the region, such as Mitchem Road in Yadkinville, North Carolina, a public library in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and many other places.
Variations of the surname Mitchem
The surname Mitchem has multiple spellings and variants, as well as some related surnames.
The surname Mitchem has two primary spellings, Mitchem and Mitcham. This surname is found in both England and the United States. In the United States, it is most commonly found in the south-eastern states such as Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina.
Other spellings for the Mitchem surname include Mitham and Micithem. In the United States, the surname is also sometimes spelled Micham or Mitchem.
Some of the related surnames of Mitchem include Mitchen, Micthem and Mictam. These surnames share a common origin with Mitchem, and often trace their heritage back to the same individual or family.
The surname Mitchem is derived from the Old English personal name "Micga" (originally meaning "famous"), which was commonly found in the 9th century. The name later mutated to Mitcham and Mitchem, and these variants of the name have since become popular among different families.
It is important to note that, in some cases, the spelling of a surname can change depending on which language or dialect is used. For example, some English-speaking individuals might spell the surname "Mictam" instead of "Mitchem" in order to better reflect their own regional dialect.
Overall, the surname Mitchem has many spellings and related surnames, and each of these variants serves as a testament to the long and rich history of the Mitchem family.
Famous people with the name Mitchem
- Debbie Mitchem: Professional singer and actress from Houston, TX who released her debut album Dream in 2013.
- Will Mitchem: American soccer mid-fielder who currently plays for Orlando City SC in the MLS.
- Al Mitchem: Drummer for the rock band "Soul Asylum" from Minneapolis, Minnesota.
- Mary Mitchem: Professional golfer who won the Oprah Winfrey Marathon Classic in 2003 and competed in the LPGA Tour.
- Pat Mitchem: Professional basketball coach who has been head coach of the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA since 2016.
- John Mitchem: American poet and author of Crows Calling Your Name: Poems of Rural Life in Appalachia.
- Forest Mitchem: Actor most famous for his role as Duke Johnson in the American comedy film series National Lampoon’s Vacation and its sequels.
- Donnie Mitchem: College basketball head coach for the McNeese State Cowboys in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
- Joy Mitchem: Founder of the Christian charity Joys House, which provides housing and support services for homeless and at-risk young adults.
- Brian Mitchem: Professional football player who played for the San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders in the 1990s.