Surname Mitchum - Meaning and Origin
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Mitchum: What does the surname Mitchum mean?
The surname Mitchum is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from the Middle English "micheham", which means "big house" or "big homestead". This suggests that the name was originally given to someone who lived in or owned a large residence. It is also possible that the name was given to someone who was in a position of authority, such as a local magistrate.
The surname can be found in records from the 14th century in England. The earliest known recorded reference to the name is from 1379 in Devon, where Alice Mucheham is mentioned in local polls. In 1608, one William Micchon of Hampsthwaite is mentioned in an inquisition for the Manor of Kirby.
The family name was likely derived from an area named Mitcham, which is known for its Roundabout Theatre, a former circus and music hall. At one time, this popular spot was the site of a famous parliamentarian fort.
The family name is not very common in the United States. It likely came to the new world from England with settlers in the 17th century. Since then, the surname has spread to Australia, New Zealand, Canada and South Africa.
In 2002, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that there were approximately 3,580 people bearing the Mitchum surname living in the United States. Today, it is most commonly found in the southern states, including Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina and Kentucky.
Order DNA origin analysisMitchum: Where does the name Mitchum come from?
The last name Mitchum is most commonly found in the United States, particularly throughout the southern portion of the country. In the United States census records, Mitchum is most commonly found in the state of Georgia, with an estimated population of 8,228 (2020).
The next furthest concentration of Mitchum's is in Virginia with an estimated 5,125, followed by Florida with an estimated 4,424. North Carolina and Arkansas are where the remaining population is found with approximately 2,643 and 2,022 people respectively.
Outside of the US, the surname is occasionally found in countries such as Canada, the UK, and Australia.
The last name Mitchum is a descendant of the Germanic personal name Michel, which was adopted throughout the English language in the 12th century. This has roots in the Hebrew name Michael, meaning "who is like God?” In time, the name evolved into numerous variations such as McMichael and McMichael, eventually settling on the early variant of Mitchum.
The lineage of the Mitchum family goes back centuries, and the surname has been found in numerous historical documents over the years. In 1772, the first Mitchum to enter the U.S. was Hermann Mitchum who settled in Philadelphia. The lineage has continued in the U.S., resulting in the Mitchum families that can be found across the nation today.
Variations of the surname Mitchum
Mitchum is an English surname of German or Dutch origin. It may be spelled in a variety of ways including Mitchem, Mitchemme, Mitchemmee, and Mitcheson. The Dutch variant of the surname is Metzemaeker, while the German variant is Metzmann. The surname is most commonly associated with the American film actor Robert Mitchum, who was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Mitchum is a patronymic surname derived from the given name Michael. Michael is derived from the Hebrew name Mikhael, meaning “Who is Like God.".
In the US, Mitchum is among the 2,731st most popular surname. Variations of the surname Mitchum are found particularly in America, Australia, Canada, and England. Variants of the surname include Mitka, Mizhka, Mychka, Mykhai, and Mykhailo.
Some of the ancient bearers of the name were William Mitchum, the son of John Mitchum, who was recorded in the Assize Rolls of Lincolnshire in 1212. John Mitchum, the son of William Mitchum, was also recorded in the Feet of Fines of Huntingdonshire in 1230.
The surname is also borne by several notable people, including American actor Bill Mitchell, American musician Bob Mitchell, and New Zealand-born singer-songwriter Dave Dobbyn.
Famous people with the name Mitchum
- Robert Mitchum: American actor
- Christopher Mitchum: American actor
- Jim Mitchum: American actor
- Susan Mitchum: American actress
- Ted Mitchum: British actor
- George Mitchum: American actor
- Doug Mitchum: American TV producer
- John Mitchum: American voice actor
- Ben Mitchum: American actor
- Nicklaus Mitchum: American director and screenwriter
- Lee Mitchum: American actor
- Angela Mitchum: American production designer
- Cassidee Mitchum: American musical artist
- Lorih Mitchum: American singer and songwriter
- Winston Mitchum: American singer and songwriter