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 Shona family records.Start a 14-Day Free Trial

Shona Family History

Shona 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: Shonka, Shone, Shoda, Shonk, Shon, Shong, Song, Son, Hong, Chon

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

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Shona family from?

You can see how Shona families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Shona family name was found in the USA, and Canada between 1880 and 1911. The most Shona families were found in USA in 1880. In 1880 there were 4 Shona families living in New York. This was about 57% of all the recorded Shona's in USA. New York had the highest population of Shona families in 1880.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Shona 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 Shona family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 167 census records available for the last name Shona. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Shona census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Shona

Passenger Lists

There are 33 immigration records available for the last name Shona. 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 Shona immigration records

Draft Cards

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

View all Shona military records

You've only scratched the surface of Shona family history

Discover More

What is the average Shona lifespan?

Between 1956 and 1978, in the United States, Shona life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1978, and highest in 1956. The average life expectancy for Shona in 1956 was 60, and 19 in 1978.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Shona

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Shona 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 Shona family tree

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