Surname Chisholm - Meaning and Origin

Discovering Chisholm's Celtic Roots: An Enlightening Journey with iGENEA DNA Test

Taking the iGENEA DNA test was a journey of discovery, revealing the marvellous depth and complexity of my ancestry. The result was astonishing: our familial roots date back to ancient Celts and a Highland Scottish Clan— the Chisholm lineage. The test was an insightful journey that expanded my understanding of the Chisholm heritage, unlocking a legacy that spans continents, centuries and cultures.

Q. Chisholm

Chisholm: What does the surname Chisholm mean?

The last name Chisholm is of Scottish origins and is a territorial surname derived from the lands of Chisholm, which are located near Roxburgh in the Scottish Borders region. The word "Chisholm" itself is believed to mean "Land of the Chese", with 'Chese' referring to a type of cheese derived from goat's milk. It suggests that the early bearers of this name might have been known for producing or trading this product.

The Chisholm family history traces back to the 14th century in Scotland with members of the family being part of significant historical events and periods such as the Jacobite Risings. Clan Chisholm is the Scottish clan associated with this surname. Over time, due mainly to migration and the Highland Clearances (forced eviction of tenants in the Scottish Highlands), people bearing the Chisholm surname have spread across the globe, particularly in North America and Australasia.

Chisholm: Where does the name Chisholm come from?

The surname Chisholm is of Scottish origin and is derived from the lands of Chisholm in the Parish of St. Giles, Edinburgh. The name was initially given to individuals who resided in this region.

The Chisholm clan traces their lineage back to the 14th century in Scotland. They primarily inhabited the regions of Roxburghshire and Berwickshire in the Scottish Borders, as well as the highland area around Inverness.

Today, Chisholm is not constrained to Scotland and is common in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom where Scottish emigrants settled during the different waves of Scottish emigration. The name's popularity increased significantly during and after the highland clearances in the late 18th and 19th centuries when a significant number of Highlanders, including many Chisholms, were evicted from their ancestral lands and emigrated to North America and Australasia. Various notable people with the surname Chisholm exist in the fields of politics, arts, academe, and sports, among others, in these countries.

Variations of the surname Chisholm

The surname Chisholm has been spelled variously through the ages and across different regions. Variations and alternate spellings include Chism, Chisolm, Chisum, Chissom, Chisham, Chisalm, Chis holme, Chissolm, Chishum, Chissum, and Chesholm.

It is believed that this name has Scottish origins, deriving from the Chisholms of Chisholms, a clan based in the Scottish Highlands. This clan reportedly got its name from a place, Cheseholm, which means "cheese house" in Old English. The name was changed and adapted over time as the clan and its descendants moved across various regions, leading to the many variations seen today.

There are also multiple versions of the surname due to transcription and pronunciation errors which occurred as family members immigrated from Scotland to places like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

These variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin tell a tale of family history, migration, and adaptation. Please note, the reason for the variations in the surname is individual name bearers' literacy and interpretation of the spelling in far-flung lands where they had migrated.

Famous people with the name Chisholm

• Shirley Chisholm: An American politician who became the first black woman elected to the United States Congress.
• Emeli Sande (Adele Emily Sandé): A British singer and songwriter whose birth name is Adele Emily Sandé Chisholm.
• Caroline Chisholm: An English humanitarian known for her involvement in female immigrant welfare in Australia.
• Melanie Chisholm: Also known as Mel C or "Sporty Spice," one of the five members of the British pop girl group, the Spice Girls.
• Rhonda Chisholm: A notable American country music singer.
• Colin Chisholm: A singer from the Scottish folk band "The McCalmans."
• Brock Chisholm: A Canadian First World War veteran, physician, and the first Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO).
• George Chisholm: A Scottish jazz trombonist known for his performances in The Goon Show and The Black and White Minstrel Show.
• Thomas Chisholm: An American writer and poet known for his Christian hymns.
• Ian Andrew Robert Stewart Chisholm: A New Zealand rugby union player. These are just a few notable people with the surname Chisholm. There are likely many more in various fields of work and accomplishment.

Other surnames

Chisholme