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.
Discover Your Butterfield Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Butterfield ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
The Complete Story of the Butterfield Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Butterfield Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Butterfield
- ✓ The Butterfield coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Butterfield families live today
- ✓ Notable Butterfield bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
🎁 A heritage keepsake to pass down — perfect as a gift.
Similar Surnames to Butterfield
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Butterfield.
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 Butterfield.
Frequently Asked Questions About Butterfield
Top Surnames Starting with B
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter B, ranked by population.
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Butterfield surname also look for: