Origin & Meaning of the Body Surname
What does the last name Body mean?
The surname Body carries the meaning "Surname with roots in African American heritage." It is derived from the English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 1,954 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Body ranks as the #15,099 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Body come from?
The Body surname has its roots in African American heritage. Names of African American 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 Body name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Body trace back to 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 | Body |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Surname with roots in African American heritage |
| Origin | African American |
| Language | English |
| US Rank (2010) | #15,099 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,954 |
| Per 100K People | 0.66 |
| First Letter | B |
Ethnic Distribution of Body
According to the US Census, the Body surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,954 Americans with the Body last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 36.28% |
| Black | 57.11% |
| Hispanic | 1.89% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.72% |
| Native American | 0.41% |
| Two or More Races | 3.58% |
Popularity of Body Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Body surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Body surname increased by 91 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Body Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Body ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Body Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Body Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Body
- ✓ The Body coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Body families live today
- ✓ Notable Body bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Body
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Body.
Other African American Surnames
Explore more surnames with African American roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same African American origin as Body.
Frequently Asked Questions About Body
Top Surnames Starting with B
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter B, ranked by population.
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