Origin & Meaning of the Ames Surname
What does the last name Ames mean?
The surname Ames carries the meaning "Son of Ames." It is derived from the Spanish language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 22,385 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Ames ranks as the #1,598 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Ames come from?
The Ames surname has its roots in Spanish/Portuguese heritage. Names of Spanish/Portuguese origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Ames name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Ames trace back to Spanish. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Ames |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Ames |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,598 |
| US Count (2010) | 22,385 |
| Per 100K People | 7.59 |
| First Letter | A |
Ethnic Distribution of Ames
According to the US Census, the Ames surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 22,385 Americans with the Ames last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 84.65% |
| Black | 7.88% |
| Hispanic | 4.0% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.96% |
| Native American | 0.62% |
| Two or More Races | 1.89% |
Popularity of Ames Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Ames surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Ames surname increased by 530 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Spanish/Portuguese Surnames
Explore more surnames with Spanish/Portuguese roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Spanish/Portuguese origin as Ames.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ames
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