Origin & Meaning of the Butterfield Surname
What does the last name Butterfield mean?
The surname Butterfield carries the meaning "From a field or open land." 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 11,468 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Butterfield ranks as the #3,152 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Butterfield come from?
The Butterfield 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 Butterfield name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Butterfield 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 | Butterfield |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a field or open land |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,152 |
| US Count (2010) | 11,468 |
| Per 100K People | 3.89 |
| First Letter | B |
Ethnic Distribution of Butterfield
According to the US Census, the Butterfield surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 11,468 Americans with the Butterfield last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 90.89% |
| Black | 3.14% |
| Hispanic | 2.13% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.76% |
| Native American | 0.95% |
| Two or More Races | 2.14% |
Popularity of Butterfield Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Butterfield surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Butterfield surname increased by 244 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Butterfield
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