SurnameRoot provides detailed surname origin, meaning, and demographic data for over 19,000 surnames found in the United States.
All demographic data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau — specifically the 2010 Census and 2000 Census surname frequency tables. Ethnic distribution data reflects self-reported responses.
Surname origins are classified using a combination of linguistic pattern matching (suffixes, prefixes), etymological databases, and Census ethnicity distribution data. While we strive for accuracy, surname origins can be complex and may span multiple cultures.
We help people explore their family heritage by providing accessible, data-driven information about surname origins, meanings, and demographics across the United States.
Data last updated: March 2026.