Origin & Meaning of the Bester Surname
What does the last name Bester mean?
The surname Bester 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 1,947 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Bester ranks as the #15,147 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Bester come from?
The Bester 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 Bester name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Bester 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 | Bester |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #15,147 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,947 |
| Per 100K People | 0.66 |
| First Letter | B |
Ethnic Distribution of Bester
According to the US Census, the Bester surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,947 Americans with the Bester last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 37.24% |
| Black | 59.01% |
| Hispanic | 0.82% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.31% |
| Native American | 0.51% |
| Two or More Races | 2.11% |
Popularity of Bester Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Bester surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Bester surname increased by 346 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Bester Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Bester ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Bester
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Bester.
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 Bester.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bester
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Bester surname also look for: