Chisholm Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Chisholm come from? What does the surname Chisholm mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Chisholm and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Chisholm Origin: What does the last name Chisholm mean?
The surname Chisholm is of Scottish origin, derived from a place near Hawick in southern Scotland. It later became established in the Highlands, where it was Gaelicised as Siosal. According to YourRoots data, the surname Chisholm first appeared in records from Scotland around the early 14th century, and it started growing significantly in Scotland from the 14th to the 18th centuries. The name has since spread globally, with prominent records in the United States, Australia, Canada, England, and New Zealand.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Chisholm surname in the United Kingdom since the early 14th century, with notable records in various countries by the 20th century. The Chisholm surname remains prominent in Scotland and the United States, reflecting a rich heritage and global reach. It is a name that has stood the test of time and continues to be significant in different regions and cultures today.
Chisholm Last Name History: Where did the last name Chisholm come from?
Origin of Chisholm Surname: Where does the last name Chisholm originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Chisholm first appeared in records from Scotland around the early 14th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Chisholm spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Chisholm: What does the Chisholm surname history look like in the early days?
The Chisholm surname started growing significantly in Scotland from the 14th to the 18th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Chisholm family records in the United States, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Chisholm surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Chisholm surname grew significantly in the United States. The Chisholm surname remains prominent in Scotland and the United States. It appears in many countries, including Australia, Canada, England, and New Zealand.
Explore Chisholm last name heritage and Chisholm surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Chisholm Surame?
Shirley Chisholm
Shirley Anita Chisholm (November 30, 1924 – January 1, 2005) was a trailblazing American politician. She made history by becoming the first black woman elected to the U.S. Congress in 1968. Known for her strong stance against injustices, she championed civil rights and women's rights throughout her career. In 1972, she broke barriers again by running for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination, becoming the first black candidate to do so. Her legacy lives on as a pioneer for equality and justice in American politics.
Hugh Chisholm
Hugh Chisholm (Feb 22, 1866 – Sept 29, 1924) was a British journalist known for editing the 10th, 11th, and 12th editions of the Encyclopædia Britannica. Born in London, he was educated at Oxford and worked for prominent publications like The Times and The St James's Gazette. Chisholm's editorial skills and contributions to literature and politics made him a respected figure in the publishing world. He was married to Eliza Beatrix Harrison and had three sons, including Archibald Chisholm, a key figure in the oil industry and former editor of the Financial Times. Chisholm's legacy lives on through his influential work in the Britannica publications.
Tanya Chisholm
Tanya Michelle Chisholm (born Jul 1, 1983) is an American actress and dancer best known for her role as Kelly Wainwright in the Nickelodeon series Big Time Rush. She also appeared in Disney's High School Musical 2 as the main 'Sharpette' Jackie. Chisholm has made guest appearances in popular shows like Veronica Mars and Ghost Whisperer. Additionally, she has been featured in various YouTube videos and music videos. A graduate of UCLA School of Theatre, Film, and Television, Chisholm continues to showcase her talent in both television and film projects.
Caroline Chisholm
Caroline Chisholm (Caroline Jones; May 30, 1808 – March 25, 1877) was an English humanitarian known for her support of immigrant welfare in Australia. She founded shelters and homes for young women and families in need, placing over 11,000 people in homes and jobs during her time in New South Wales. Chisholm was admired for her philanthropic efforts and independence, raising money through private subscriptions and not accepting funds from religious or political organizations. She dedicated her life to helping others, leaving a lasting impact on the immigrant community in Australia.
Jesse Chisholm
Jesse Chisholm (circa 1805 - March 4, 1868) was a Scotch-Cherokee fur trader and merchant known for developing the famous Chisholm Trail, used to drive cattle from Texas to Kansas post-Civil War. Fluent in multiple languages, he served as an interpreter for the Republic of Texas and the U.S. government in treaty-making with Native American tribes. Chisholm's legacy lives on as a trailblazer in American history, with his grave site listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
All images displayed on this page are sourced from Wikipedia or Wikimedia Commons.We use these images under their respective Creative Commons or public domain licenses. Wherever applicable, author attributions and license information are provided. If you believe an image is used incorrectly or outside its license terms, please contact us so that we can review and correct the issue.