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Carmichael Family History

Carmichael Surname Meaning

Scottish (Scotland and northern England): habitational name from Carmichael in Lanarkshire from Brittonic caer ‘fort’.

It is derived from the combination of a geographical feature and a personal name.

The term caer signifies a fortified place, indicating strength and protection.

The name Michael, associated with this location, adds a personal touch to its historical significance.

Overall, Carmichael reflects both geographical and cultural heritage in the region.

Source: Dictionary of American Family Names 2nd edition, 2022


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Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Carmichael family from?

You can see how Carmichael families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Carmichael family name was found in the USA, the UK, Canada, and Scotland between 1840 and 1920. The most Carmichael families were found in USA in 1880. In 1891 there were 254 Carmichael families living in Lancashire. This was about 23% of all the recorded Carmichael's in United Kingdom. Lancashire had the highest population of Carmichael families in 1891.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Carmichael surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.

What did your Carmichael ancestors do for a living?

In 1939, General Labourer and Unpaid Domestic Duties were the top reported jobs for men and women in the United Kingdom named Carmichael. 20% of Carmichael men worked as a General Labourer and 76% of Carmichael women worked as an Unpaid Domestic Duties. Some less common occupations for Americans named Carmichael were Commercial Traveller and Housewife.

View Census Data for Carmichael | Data not to scale

*We display top occupations by gender to maintain their historical accuracy during times when men and women often performed different jobs.

Top Male Occupations In 1939

  • General Labourer
    20%
  • Farmer
    7%
  • Medical Practitioner
    7%
  • Commercial Traveller
    6%

Top Female Occupations In 1939

  • Unpaid Domestic Duties
    76%
  • Private Means
    4%
  • Unpaid Domestic
    3%
  • Housewife
    2%

What Carmichael family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 142,000 census records available for the last name Carmichael. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Carmichael census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Carmichael

Passenger Lists

There are 25,000 immigration records available for the last name Carmichael. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in the UK, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Carmichael immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 27,000 military records available for the last name Carmichael. For the veterans among your Carmichael ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Carmichael military records

You've only scratched the surface of Carmichael family history

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What is the average Carmichael lifespan?

Between 1944 and 2004, in the United States, Carmichael life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1944, and highest in 1999. The average life expectancy for Carmichael in 1944 was 21, and 74 in 2004.

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Carmichael ancestors lived in harsh conditions. A short lifespan might also indicate health problems that were once prevalent in your family. The SSDI is a searchable database of more than 70 million names. You can find birthdates, death dates, addresses and more.

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