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Nelms Family History

Nelms Surname Meaning

English: topographic name for someone who lived near or amid a grove of elm trees.

It originates from the misdivision of Middle English atten elmes ‘at the elms’.

This term highlights a geographical connection to a specific type of tree, the elm.

The name reflects the historical significance of the elm tree in certain regions.

Overall, it serves as a marker of identity tied to the natural landscape.

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


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Where is the Nelms family from?

You can see how Nelms families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Nelms family name was found in the USA, and the UK between 1840 and 1920. The most Nelms families were found in USA in 1880. In 1891 there were 58 Nelms families living in Gloucestershire. This was about 23% of all the recorded Nelms's in United Kingdom. Gloucestershire had the highest population of Nelms families in 1891.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Nelms surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.
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What did your Nelms ancestors do for a living?

In 1939, Glove Cutter (leather) and Unpaid Domestic Duties were the top reported jobs for men and women in the United Kingdom named Nelms. 24% of Nelms men worked as a Glove Cutter (leather) and 85% of Nelms women worked as an Unpaid Domestic Duties. Some less common occupations for Americans named Nelms were Carpenter and Domestic Duties.

View Census Data for Nelms | 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

  • Glove Cutter (leather)
    24%
  • Dairy Farmer
    16%
  • Builders Labourer
    16%
  • Carpenter
    16%

Top Female Occupations In 1939

  • Unpaid Domestic Duties
    85%
  • Old Age Pensioner
    4%
  • Shorthand Typist
    4%
  • Domestic Duties
    4%

What Nelms family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 25,000 census records available for the last name Nelms. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Nelms census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Nelms

Passenger Lists

There are 1,000 immigration records available for the last name Nelms. 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 Nelms immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 5,000 military records available for the last name Nelms. For the veterans among your Nelms ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Nelms military records

You've only scratched the surface of Nelms family history

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What is the average Nelms lifespan?

Between 1953 and 2004, in the United States, Nelms life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1954, and highest in 1995. The average life expectancy for Nelms in 1953 was 59, and 75 in 2004.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Nelms

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Nelms 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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