Origin & Meaning of the Barbeau Surname
What does the last name Barbeau mean?
The surname Barbeau carries the meaning "Water or beautiful." It is derived from the French language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 1,971 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Barbeau ranks as the #14,991 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Barbeau come from?
The Barbeau surname has its roots in French heritage. Names of French 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 Barbeau name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Barbeau trace back to French. 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 | Barbeau |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Water or beautiful |
| Origin | French |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #14,991 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,971 |
| Per 100K People | 0.67 |
| First Letter | B |
Ethnic Distribution of Barbeau
According to the US Census, the Barbeau surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,971 Americans with the Barbeau last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 90.56% |
| Black | 2.59% |
| Hispanic | 3.15% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.96% |
| Native American | 0.61% |
| Two or More Races | 2.13% |
Popularity of Barbeau Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Barbeau surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Barbeau surname increased by 54 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other French Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Barbeau
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