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.
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.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 86.69% |
| Black | 7.65% |
| Hispanic | 2.34% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.49% |
| Native American | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 2.13% |
Popularity of Arms Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Arms surname has changed in prevalence.
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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The Complete Story of the Arms Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Arms Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Arms
- ✓ The Arms coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Arms families live today
- ✓ Notable Arms bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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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
Top Surnames Starting with A
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter A, ranked by population.
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