Arms — Last Name Origin & Meaning

European origin Rank #8,541 in the US 3,854 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#8,541
▼ Down 624 since 2000
People in the US
3,854
1.31 per 100K people
Origin
European
European

Origin & Meaning of the Arms Surname

What does the last name Arms mean?

The surname Arms carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 3,854 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Arms ranks as the #8,541 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Arms come from?

The Arms surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European 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 Arms name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Arms trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.

European European

Quick Facts

Surname Arms
Meaning Family name of European origin
Origin European
Language European
US Rank (2010) #8,541
US Count (2010) 3,854
Per 100K People 1.31
First Letter A

Ethnic Distribution of Arms

According to the US Census, the Arms surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,854 Americans with the Arms last name.

White 86.69%
Black 7.65%
Hispanic 2.34%
Asian/PI 0.49%
Native American 0.7%
Two+ Races 2.13%
Ethnic distribution of the Arms surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White86.69%
Black7.65%
Hispanic2.34%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.49%
Native American0.7%
Two or More Races2.13%

Popularity of Arms Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Arms surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#7,917
3,877 people
Down 624
Census 2010
#8,541
3,854 people

The number of Americans with the Arms surname decreased by 23 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Arms Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Arms ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

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Similar Surnames to Arms

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Arms.

Other European Surnames

Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Arms.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arms

The surname Arms is of European origin. Family name of European origin
The surname Arms is ranked #8,541 in the United States with approximately 3,854 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
Family name of European origin. The name has European roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Arms surname is distributed as: 86.7% White, 7.7% Black. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Arms ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

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