Barnwell — Last Name Origin & Meaning

English origin Rank #7,006 in the US 4,781 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#7,006
▼ Down 262 since 2000
People in the US
4,781
1.62 per 100K people
Origin
English
Old English

Origin & Meaning of the Barnwell Surname

What does the last name Barnwell mean?

The surname Barnwell carries the meaning "From a spring or stream." 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 4,781 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Barnwell ranks as the #7,006 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Barnwell come from?

The Barnwell 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 Barnwell name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Barnwell 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.

English Old English

Quick Facts

Surname Barnwell
Meaning From a spring or stream
Origin English
Language Old English
US Rank (2010) #7,006
US Count (2010) 4,781
Per 100K People 1.62
First Letter B

Ethnic Distribution of Barnwell

According to the US Census, the Barnwell surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,781 Americans with the Barnwell last name.

White 61.39%
Black 32.59%
Hispanic 2.32%
Asian/PI 0.69%
Native American 0.67%
Two+ Races 2.34%
Ethnic distribution of the Barnwell surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White61.39%
Black32.59%
Hispanic2.32%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.69%
Native American0.67%
Two or More Races2.34%

Popularity of Barnwell Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Barnwell surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#6,744
4,607 people
Down 262
Census 2010
#7,006
4,781 people

The number of Americans with the Barnwell surname increased by 174 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Barnwell Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Barnwell ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

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Similar Surnames to Barnwell

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Barnwell.

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 Barnwell.

Frequently Asked Questions About Barnwell

The surname Barnwell is of English origin. From a spring or stream
The surname Barnwell is ranked #7,006 in the United States with approximately 4,781 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
From a spring or stream. The name has English roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Barnwell surname is distributed as: 61.4% White, 32.6% Black. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Barnwell ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

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