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 Shama family records.Start a 14-Day Free Trial

Shama Family History

Shama Surname Meaning

Jewish (from Syria, Egypt, and Yemen): metonymic occupational for maker of and/or dealer in candles from Arabic sham(a)‘a ‘candle’.

Muslim (Egypt): from shamā of unknown meaning used as a surname.

Indian: from a personal name of Arabic origin meaning ‘light’ (compare 1 above).

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


Similar surnames: 

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

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Shama family from?

You can see how Shama families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Shama family name was found in the USA, the UK, Canada, and Scotland between 1861 and 1920. The most Shama families were found in USA in 1920. In 1911 there were 8 Shama families living in Ontario. This was about 32% of all the recorded Shama's in Canada. Ontario had the highest population of Shama families in 1911.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Shama 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 Shama ancestors do for a living?

In 1921, Laborer was the top reported job for people in the Canada named Shama. 100% of Shama men worked as a Laborer.

View Census Data for Shama | 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 1921

  • Laborer
    100%

What Shama family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 1,000 census records available for the last name Shama. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Shama census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search Canadian census records for Shama

Passenger Lists

There are 356 immigration records available for the last name Shama. 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 Shama immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 152 military records available for the last name Shama. For the veterans among your Shama ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Shama military records

You've only scratched the surface of Shama family history

Discover More

What is the average Shama lifespan?

Between 1963 and 2004, in the United States, Shama life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1969, and highest in 1992. The average life expectancy for Shama in 1963 was 72, and 76 in 2004.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Shama

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

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