Origin & Meaning of the Bolster Surname
What does the last name Bolster mean?
The surname Bolster 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 1,986 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Bolster ranks as the #14,902 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Bolster come from?
The Bolster 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 Bolster name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Bolster 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 | Bolster |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #14,902 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,986 |
| Per 100K People | 0.67 |
| First Letter | B |
Ethnic Distribution of Bolster
According to the US Census, the Bolster surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,986 Americans with the Bolster last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.41% |
| Black | 0.35% |
| Hispanic | 2.67% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.86% |
| Native American | 0.5% |
| Two or More Races | 1.21% |
Popularity of Bolster Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Bolster surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Bolster surname increased by 175 between 2000 and 2010.
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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 Bolster.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bolster
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