Origin & Meaning of the Cape Surname
What does the last name Cape mean?
The surname Cape 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 2,609 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Cape ranks as the #11,971 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Cape come from?
The Cape 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 Cape name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Cape 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 | Cape |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #11,971 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,609 |
| Per 100K People | 0.88 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Cape
According to the US Census, the Cape surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,609 Americans with the Cape last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 90.03% |
| Black | 2.07% |
| Hispanic | 3.87% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.95% |
| Native American | 0.73% |
| Two or More Races | 1.34% |
Popularity of Cape Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Cape surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Cape surname increased by 168 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Cape Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Cape ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Cape Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Cape Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Cape
- ✓ The Cape coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Cape families live today
- ✓ Notable Cape bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Cape
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Cape.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Cape.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cape
Top Surnames Starting with C
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter C, ranked by population.
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