This page needs Javascript enabled in order to work properly. Click here for instructions on how to enable it in your browser.
Surname Header Image
Get access to Nelams family records.Start a 14-Day Free Trial

Nelams Family History

Nelams Surname Meaning

Historically, surnames evolved as a way to sort people into groups - by occupation, place of origin, clan affiliation, patronage, parentage, adoption, and even physical characteristics (like red hair). Many of the modern surnames in the dictionary can be traced back to Britain and Ireland.


Similar surnames: Nelms, Neloms, Elam, Neals, Neas, Nelles, Melms, Nellis, Nelis, Helms

Search for a relative to learn more about your family history.

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Nelams family from?

You can see how Nelams families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Nelams family name was found in the USA, the UK, Canada, and Scotland between 1871 and 1920. The most Nelams families were found in USA in 1920. In 1891 there were 7 Nelams families living in Cheshire. This was about 41% of all the recorded Nelams's in United Kingdom. Cheshire had the highest population of Nelams families in 1891.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Nelams surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.
Mapbox
© Mapbox © OpenStreetMap Improve this map

What did your Nelams ancestors do for a living?

In 1940, Farmer and Laundress were the top reported jobs for men and women in the USA named Nelams. 53% of Nelams men worked as a Farmer and 100% of Nelams women worked as a Laundress.

View Census Data for Nelams | 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.

United States shown, England data unavailable

Top Male Occupations In 1940

  • Farmer
    53%
  • Farm Laborer
    24%
  • Laborer
    24%

Top Female Occupations In 1940

  • Laundress
    100%

What Nelams family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 751 census records available for the last name Nelams. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Nelams census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Nelams

Passenger Lists

There are 23 immigration records available for the last name Nelams. 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 Nelams immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 64 military records available for the last name Nelams. For the veterans among your Nelams ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Nelams military records

You've only scratched the surface of Nelams family history

Discover More

What is the average Nelams lifespan?

Between 1959 and 2004, in the United States, Nelams life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1976, and highest in 1998. The average life expectancy for Nelams in 1959 was 49, and 62 in 2004.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Nelams

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Nelams 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.

Discover the unique achievements of ancestors in the Nelams family tree

Explore Your Tree
Search for another surname
Enter last name/surname
Start a 14-Day Free Trial