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 Samela family records.Start a 14-Day Free Trial

Samela Family History

Samela 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: Salmela, Savela, Samel, Sala, Hamel, Camel, Sama, Kamel, Samuel

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

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Samela family from?

You can see how Samela families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Samela family name was found in the USA, and Canada between 1911 and 1920. The most Samela families were found in USA in 1920. In 1911 there were 7 Samela families living in Alberta. This was about 64% of all the recorded Samela's in Canada. Alberta had the highest population of Samela families in 1911.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Samela 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 Samela ancestors do for a living?

In 1940, Laborer and Bookkeeper were the top reported jobs for men and women in the USA named Samela. 53% of Samela men worked as a Laborer and 100% of Samela women worked as a Bookkeeper.

View Census Data for Samela | 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, Canada data unavailable

Top Male Occupations In 1940

  • Laborer
    53%
  • Eyelet Machine Operator
    10%
  • Printer
    10%
  • Tailor
    10%

Top Female Occupations In 1940

  • Bookkeeper
    100%

What Samela family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 711 census records available for the last name Samela. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Samela census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search Canadian census records for Samela

Passenger Lists

There are 201 immigration records available for the last name Samela. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in Canada, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Samela immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 110 military records available for the last name Samela. For the veterans among your Samela ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Samela military records

You've only scratched the surface of Samela family history

Discover More

What is the average Samela lifespan?

Between 1963 and 2004, in the United States, Samela life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1980, and highest in 1968. The average life expectancy for Samela in 1963 was 75, and 69 in 2004.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Samela

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

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