Origin & Meaning of the Bernstein Surname
What does the last name Bernstein mean?
The surname Bernstein carries the meaning "Stone." It is derived from the German/Yiddish language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 17,916 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Bernstein ranks as the #2,015 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Bernstein come from?
The Bernstein surname has its roots in German/Jewish heritage. Names of German/Jewish 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 Bernstein name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Bernstein trace back to German/Yiddish. 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 | Bernstein |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Stone |
| Origin | German/Jewish |
| Language | German/Yiddish |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,015 |
| US Count (2010) | 17,916 |
| Per 100K People | 6.07 |
| First Letter | B |
Ethnic Distribution of Bernstein
According to the US Census, the Bernstein surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 17,916 Americans with the Bernstein last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 95.21% |
| Black | 0.69% |
| Hispanic | 2.25% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.75% |
| Native American | 0.08% |
| Two or More Races | 1.03% |
Popularity of Bernstein Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Bernstein surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Bernstein surname decreased by 53 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other German/Jewish Surnames
Explore more surnames with German/Jewish roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same German/Jewish origin as Bernstein.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bernstein
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