Explore the Family Name Shama
The meaning of Shama
1. Jewish (from Syria, Egypt, and Yemen): metonymic occupational for maker of and/or dealer in candles, from Arabic sham(a)‘a ‘candle’. 2. Muslim (Egypt): from shamā, of unknown meaning, used as a surname. 3. Indian: from a personal name of Arabic origin, meaning ‘light’ (compare 1 above).
Dictionary of American Family Names, 2nd edition, © Oxford University Press, 2022.
How common is the last name Shama in the United States?
Based on the Decennial U.S. Census data, the surname Shama has seen an increase in popularity over the past decade. In 2000, Shama was ranked as the 75,695th most popular surname, but by 2010 it had moved up to the 65,964th position, indicating a change of 12.86%. The count of individuals bearing the name also rose from 237 to 300, marking a growth rate of 26.58%. The proportion of people with the surname Shama per 100,000 individuals also increased slightly from 0.09 to 0.1, reflecting a change of 11.11%.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #75,695 | #65,964 | 12.86% |
| Count | 237 | 300 | 26.58% |
| Proportion per 100k | 0.09 | 0.1 | 11.11% |
Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Shama
Looking at the ethnic identity associated with the surname Shama, there have been some significant shifts between 2000 and 2010, according to the Decennial U.S. Census data. Those identifying as Asian/Pacific Islander saw a substantial increase, going from 11.81% to 18.67%, a change of more than half (58.09%). The percentage of individuals identifying as Black also increased from 2.95% to 4.33%, which is a rise of 46.78%. However, those identifying as White decreased slightly from 73.42% to 70.00%, a drop of 4.66%. Interestingly, Shama saw its first appearances within the Hispanic community, moving from 0% to 5.33%. The percentages for those identifying as Two or more races and American Indian and Alaskan Native, however, were either reduced to zero or remained at zero with no changes observed.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 73.42% | 70% | -4.66% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 11.81% | 18.67% | 58.09% |
| Hispanic | 0% | 5.33% | 0% |
| Black | 2.95% | 4.33% | 46.78% |
| Two or More Races | 9.28% | 0% | 0% |
| American Indian and Alaskan Native | 0% | 0% | 0% |