Explore the Family Name Michelsen
The meaning of Michelsen
North German, Danish, Norwegian, and Dutch: patronymic from the personal name Michel (see Michael). Some characteristic forenames: Scandinavian Erik, Johan, Niels, Per, Sofus, Sophus, Thor.
Dictionary of American Family Names, 2nd edition, © Oxford University Press, 2022.
How common is the last name Michelsen in the United States?
Based on the Decennial U.S. Census data, the popularity of the surname Michelsen has seen a significant decline from 2000 to 2010. In 2000, it ranked as the 20,413th most common surname, but by 2010, it fell to the 35,764th position, marking a drastic drop of 75.2%. The number of individuals bearing this surname also saw a decrease. In 2000, there were 1,210 Michelsens across the United States. However, by 2010, this number had dropped to 628, a decrease of 48.1%. The proportion of Michelsen per 100k people also saw a decline of 53.33%, moving from 0.45 in 2000 to 0.21 in 2010.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #20,413 | #35,764 | -75.2% |
| Count | 1,210 | 628 | -48.1% |
| Proportion per 100k | 0.45 | 0.21 | -53.33% |
Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Michelsen
The ethnicity associated with the surname Michelsen, as reported in the Decennial U.S. Census, indicates a predominantly White ethnic identity. In both 2000 and 2010, over 94% of those with the Michelsen surname identified as White. Interestingly, the percentage slightly increased from 94.71% in 2000 to 94.75% in 2010. The second largest ethnic group within the Michelsen surname was Hispanic, which saw an increase of 24.24%, moving from 2.31% in 2000 to 2.87% in 2010. Individuals identifying as Asian/Pacific Islander and those of two or more races have seen a decrease in percentages. For the Asian/Pacific Islander category, there was a 15.91% decrease, and for the two or more races category, there was a 35.48% decrease. No Michelsens identified as Black or American Indian and Alaskan Native in either year.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 94.71% | 94.75% | 0.04% |
| Hispanic | 2.31% | 2.87% | 24.24% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.32% | 1.11% | -15.91% |
| Two or More Races | 1.24% | 0.8% | -35.48% |
| Black | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| American Indian and Alaskan Native | 0% | 0% | 0% |