Buchanan — Last Name Origin & Meaning

Unknown origin Rank #503 in the US 66,648 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#503
▼ Down 32 since 2000
People in the US
66,648
22.59 per 100K people
Origin
Unknown
Unknown

Origin & Meaning of the Buchanan Surname

What does the last name Buchanan mean?

The surname Buchanan carries the meaning "Origin and meaning under research." It is derived from the Unknown language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 66,648 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Buchanan ranks as the #503 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Buchanan come from?

The Buchanan surname has its roots in Unknown heritage. Names of Unknown 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 Buchanan name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Buchanan trace back to Unknown. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.

Unknown Unknown

Quick Facts

Surname Buchanan
Meaning Origin and meaning under research
Origin Unknown
Language Unknown
US Rank (2010) #503
US Count (2010) 66,648
Per 100K People 22.59
First Letter B

Ethnic Distribution of Buchanan

According to the US Census, the Buchanan surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 66,648 Americans with the Buchanan last name.

White 77.4%
Black 17.0%
Hispanic 2.43%
Asian/PI 0.59%
Native American 0.57%
Two+ Races 2.01%
Ethnic distribution of the Buchanan surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White77.4%
Black17.0%
Hispanic2.43%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.59%
Native American0.57%
Two or More Races2.01%

Popularity of Buchanan Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Buchanan surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#471
63,825 people
Down 32
Census 2010
#503
66,648 people

The number of Americans with the Buchanan surname increased by 2,823 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Buchanan Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Buchanan ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

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Similar Surnames to Buchanan

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Buchanan.

Other Unknown Surnames

Explore more surnames with Unknown roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Unknown origin as Buchanan.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buchanan

The surname Buchanan is of Unknown origin. Origin and meaning under research
The surname Buchanan is ranked #503 in the United States with approximately 66,648 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
Origin and meaning under research. The name has Unknown roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Buchanan surname is distributed as: 77.4% White, 17.0% Black. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Buchanan ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

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