Helms Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Helms come from? What does the surname Helms mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Helms and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Helms Origin: What does the last name Helms mean?
The surname Helms is of English and Danish origin, being a patronymic name meaning 'son of Helm'. Helm itself comes from the Old Norse name Hjelm or Hj√§lm, which translates to 'helmet'. It may also be linked to the English toponymic surname Helmsley, named after a town in North Yorkshire. This surname has been present in records from the United States since the early 18th century, with a concentration of occurrences in the country. The history of the Helms surname spans from the 17th to the 19th centuries, maintaining a strong association with the United States.
YourRoots data highlights the global spread of the Helms surname, with increased records in the United States by the 20th century. While specific details about the early days and global distribution are limited, the surname Helms remains particularly prominent in the United States. This surname carries a legacy tied to English and Danish roots, with a meaning rooted in the concept of a helmet, reflecting a connection to protection and strength throughout history.
Helms Last Name History: Where did the last name Helms come from?
Origin of Helms Surname: Where does the last name Helms originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Helms first appeared in records from the United States around the early 18th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Helms spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Helms: What does the Helms surname history look like in the early days?
The Helms surname remained closely associated with the United States from the 17th to the 19th centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Helms surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Helms surname grew significantly in the United States. The Helms surname remains prominent in the United States.
Explore Helms last name heritage and Helms surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Helms Surame?
Ed Helms
Edward Parker Helms (January 24, 1974 - present) is an American actor, musician, and comedian known for his roles in popular TV shows like "The Office" and "The Hangover" trilogy. He has also appeared in a variety of comedic and dramatic films, as well as lent his voice to animated movies. Helms has received multiple award nominations for his performances and writing. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, he overcame health challenges in his youth to become a successful entertainer with a diverse portfolio of work.
Tommy Helms
Tommy Vann Helms (May 5, 1941 – April 13, 2025) was an American professional baseball player and manager. He spent 14 years in Major League Baseball, playing for teams like the Cincinnati Reds and Houston Astros. Helms won the 1966 National League Rookie of the Year Award and received two Gold Glove Awards. He also managed the Reds for parts of two seasons. Known for his defensive skills and versatility on the field, Helms was a key player in the baseball world during his career.
Gregory Helms
Gregory Shane Helms (born Jul 12, 1974) is an American professional wrestler known for his time in WWE and WCW. He wrestled under various aliases like The Hurricane and Gregory Helms, winning multiple championships including the Cruiserweight Championship. Helms started his career in 1991 and gained fame as a member of the heel faction 3 Count in WCW. After transitioning to WWE, he became the longest-reigning Cruiserweight Champion in SmackDown history. Helms now works as a backstage producer for WWE. He continues to make sporadic appearances in wrestling events, showcasing his enduring popularity in the industry.
Jesse Helms
Jesse Alexander Helms Jr. (Oct 18, 1921 – Jul 4, 2008) was an American politician known for his leadership in the conservative movement. Serving as a senator from North Carolina from 1973 to 2003, he was chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a major voice in foreign policy. Helms was controversial for his opposition to civil rights, disability rights, environmentalism, and more. He played a significant role in the conservative resurgence in the 1970s and was credited with shifting North Carolina to a competitive two-party state. Helms was considered one of the most stridently conservative American politicians of his time.
Richard Helms
Richard McGarrah Helms (Mar 30, 1913 – Oct 23, 2002) served as the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) from 1966 to 1973. He began his intelligence career during World War II and rose through the ranks at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) under multiple presidential administrations. Helms was involved in various covert operations and intelligence activities, including managing the agency during the Church Committee investigation in the 1970s. Despite his contributions to national security, Helms faced legal challenges later in his career. His tenure as DCI and ambassador to Iran showcased his pivotal role in shaping American intelligence and foreign policy.
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