Origin & Meaning of the Atwater Surname
What does the last name Atwater mean?
The surname Atwater carries the meaning "One who does." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 4,289 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Atwater ranks as the #7,739 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Atwater come from?
The Atwater surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English 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 Atwater name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Atwater trace back to Old English. 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 | Atwater |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #7,739 |
| US Count (2010) | 4,289 |
| Per 100K People | 1.45 |
| First Letter | A |
Ethnic Distribution of Atwater
According to the US Census, the Atwater surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,289 Americans with the Atwater last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 59.69% |
| Black | 34.46% |
| Hispanic | 2.17% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.44% |
| Native American | 0.4% |
| Two or More Races | 2.84% |
Popularity of Atwater Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Atwater surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Atwater surname increased by 222 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Atwater
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