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Arms

We found
116,092 records
for the Arms surname
Explore the history of the last name Arms in birth and death records, immigration documents, and other historical record collections
27,149
Birth, Marriage & Death Records
927
Immigration & Travel Records
14,418
Family Tree Profiles
16,645
Census & Voter List Records
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Search records for the surname Arms across MyHeritage's database of 39.7 billion historical records

Search records for the surname Arms across MyHeritage's database of 39.7 billion historical records
Origin and meaning of the Arms last nameOrigin and meaning of the Arms last name

Origin and meaning of the Arms last name

The surname Arms has its historical roots in medieval England, where it is believed to have originated as a nickname for someone who was a skilled warrior or soldier, derived from the Old French word armes, meaning arms or weapons. This connection to martial prowess reflects the social roles of individuals in the feudal system, where military service was a key aspect of nobility and land ownership. Over time, the surname became hereditary, passed down through generations, and was often associated with families that held land or titles, particularly in regions with a strong military tradition. The surname Arms may also have been linked to heraldry, as coats of arms were significant in denoting lineage and status among the gentry. Culturally, the surname Arms has seen variations in spelling and pronunciation across different regions, particularly in English-speaking countries. While the core meaning remains consistent, variations such as Armes or Armstrong may reflect local dialects or adaptations. The surname has spread geographically through migration, particularly during the periods of colonization and industrialization, leading to its presence in countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia. In some regions, the surname may carry additional connotations related to military service or nobility, further enriching its cultural significance. Notable figures associated with the surname Arms include individuals who have made contributions in various fields, such as military leaders, politicians, and artists. For instance, the Arms family in England has historical ties to local governance and land ownership, which helped solidify the surname's reputation within certain communities. The legacy of these figures has contributed to the surname's recognition and popularity, particularly in regions where their influence was felt. Overall, the surname Arms encapsulates a rich tapestry of historical significance, cultural variations, and notable contributions that continue to resonate today.

Where is the Arms family from?

Trace the Arms family's migration over time through census records. The Arms surname appears in censuses from the following countries: USA, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia between 1830 and 1950. The majority of Arms families were found in census records from USA in 1930.
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Explore similar surnamesExplore similar surnames

Explore similar surnames

  • Armryding
  • Armry
  • Armrustmacher
  • Armruster
  • Armrust
  • Armrted
  • Armrtage
  • Armrstrong
  • Armrs
  • Armrozewicz
  • Arms Avery
  • Arms Bacon
  • Arms Brown
  • Arms Chappel
  • Arms Cunningham
  • Arms Daniels
  • Arms Fisher
  • Arms Hitchcock
  • Arms Holt
  • Arms Howard
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The Arms family history runs deeper than you think
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Famous and notable people throughout history with the last name Arms

Russell Arms
Russell ArmsActor, Singer, Singer-songwriter, Television Actor
BirthFeb - 3 1920 Berkeley, United States
DeathFeb - 13 2012 Hamilton, United States
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What types of historical records can you find for the Arms family?

Explore Books and Publications records
697 Book & Publication Records
Discover meaningful details about the Arms surname across 697 book and publication records. These records can include historical context, community stories, and biographies that may not appear in more traditional records.
Explore Directories, Guides and References records
12,667 Directory, Guide & Reference Records
Browse 12,667 directory, guide, and reference records featuring the Arms surname. These records include guides to history, geography, and surname origins.
Explore Census records
16,645 Census & Voter List Records
Explore the Arms surname in 16,645 census and voter list records to get a detailed snapshot of your ancestors' lives. Discover names, ages, occupations, family relationships, residences, and much more.
Explore Newspaper records
24,448 Newspaper Records
Uncover fascinating details about your Arms relatives in 24,448 newspaper records. Explore birth and marriage announcements, obituaries, and articles.
Explore Birth, Marriage and Death records
27,149 Birth, Marriage & Death Records
Explore 27,149 Arms birth, marriage, and death records. Uncover valuable details about major family milestones and find names, dates, places, occupations, and residences of your ancestors and relatives.
Explore Immigration and Travel records
927 Immigration & Travel Records
Trace your ancestors' journeys across 927 Arms immigration and travel records. Discover their routes and travel companions as they immigrated to new lands, offering new insights into your family history.
Explore Family Tree records
14,418 Family Tree Profiles
Explore 14,418 Arms family tree profiles on MyHeritage. Family trees contain a wealth of information that can offer new perspectives on your family history.
Explore Military records
1,632 Military Records
Search 1,632 Arms military records and discover the stories of courage and resilience in your family history. Military records include enlistment dates, ranks, locations, and even physical descriptions.
Explore Histories, Memories and Biographies records
41 History, Memoir & Biography Records
Enrich your family history research as you explore 41 Arms history, memoir, and biography records. These records can offer detailed, personal stories of your ancestors' lives.
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What did the Arms family do for a living?

Top Male Occupations in 1910
Laborer
30%
Clerk
19%
Engineer
10%
Salesman
9%
Top Female Occupations in 1910
Teacher
27%
Clerk
24%
Stenographer
21%
Seamstress
6%
The top reported professions for Arms men and women from the United States in 1910 were laborer and teacher. 30% of men with the last name Arms worked as laborers and 27% of women with the last name Arms worked as a teacher.
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What are the most popular first names in the Arms family?

Top male first names
  • John
  • William
  • Russell
  • George
  • Daniel
  • Robert
  • Charles
  • Thomas
  • James
Top female first names
  • Mary
  • Rhoda
  • Elizabeth
  • Sarah
  • Martha
  • Margaret
  • Ann
  • Dorothy
  • Jane
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Family trees on MyHeritage with the last name Arms

Arms Family (1)
7,217 individuals
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Arms Family (1)
7,217 individuals
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Arms Family
7,210 individuals
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Arms Family
7,210 individuals
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Arms Family
7,210 individuals
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Arms Family as of 2015-05-17
6,828 individuals
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