Origin & Meaning of the Birmingham Surname
What does the last name Birmingham mean?
The surname Birmingham carries the meaning "From a homestead or village." 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 6,577 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Birmingham ranks as the #5,297 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Birmingham come from?
The Birmingham 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 Birmingham name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Birmingham 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 | Birmingham |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a homestead or village |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #5,297 |
| US Count (2010) | 6,577 |
| Per 100K People | 2.23 |
| First Letter | B |
Ethnic Distribution of Birmingham
According to the US Census, the Birmingham surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 6,577 Americans with the Birmingham last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 84.93% |
| Black | 8.79% |
| Hispanic | 3.56% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.61% |
| Native American | 0.61% |
| Two or More Races | 1.51% |
Popularity of Birmingham Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Birmingham surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Birmingham surname increased by 379 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Birmingham
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Birmingham.
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 Birmingham.
Frequently Asked Questions About Birmingham
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