Origin & Meaning of the Barber Surname
What does the last name Barber mean?
The surname Barber 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 78,848 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Barber ranks as the #406 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Barber come from?
The Barber 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 Barber name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Barber 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 | Barber |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #406 |
| US Count (2010) | 78,848 |
| Per 100K People | 26.73 |
| First Letter | B |
Ethnic Distribution of Barber
According to the US Census, the Barber surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 78,848 Americans with the Barber last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 75.48% |
| Black | 18.38% |
| Hispanic | 2.39% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.64% |
| Native American | 1.02% |
| Two or More Races | 2.08% |
Popularity of Barber Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Barber surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Barber surname increased by 2,344 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Barber
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Barber.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Barber.
Frequently Asked Questions About Barber
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