Origin & Meaning of the Barnes Surname
What does the last name Barnes mean?
The surname Barnes carries the meaning "Son of Barnes." It is derived from the Spanish language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 218,241 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Barnes ranks as the #110 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Barnes come from?
The Barnes surname has its roots in Spanish/Portuguese heritage. Names of Spanish/Portuguese 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 Barnes name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Barnes trace back to Spanish. 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 | Barnes |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Barnes |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #110 |
| US Count (2010) | 218,241 |
| Per 100K People | 73.99 |
| First Letter | B |
Ethnic Distribution of Barnes
According to the US Census, the Barnes surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 218,241 Americans with the Barnes last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 64.81% |
| Black | 29.28% |
| Hispanic | 2.33% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.48% |
| Native American | 0.75% |
| Two or More Races | 2.35% |
Popularity of Barnes Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Barnes surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Barnes surname increased by 7,815 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Spanish/Portuguese Surnames
Explore more surnames with Spanish/Portuguese roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Spanish/Portuguese origin as Barnes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Barnes
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