Origin & Meaning of the Cairns Surname
What does the last name Cairns mean?
The surname Cairns carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 5,192 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Cairns ranks as the #6,527 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Cairns come from?
The Cairns surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European 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 Cairns name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Cairns trace back to European. 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 | Cairns |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #6,527 |
| US Count (2010) | 5,192 |
| Per 100K People | 1.76 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Cairns
According to the US Census, the Cairns surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 5,192 Americans with the Cairns last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 93.99% |
| Black | 0.35% |
| Hispanic | 2.31% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.91% |
| Native American | 0.81% |
| Two or More Races | 1.64% |
Popularity of Cairns Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Cairns surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Cairns surname decreased by 21 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other European Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cairns
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