Center — Last Name Origin & Meaning

English origin Rank #10,765 in the US 2,963 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#10,765
▼ Down 691 since 2000
People in the US
2,963
1.0 per 100K people
Origin
English
Old English

Origin & Meaning of the Center Surname

What does the last name Center mean?

The surname Center carries the meaning "One who does." 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 2,963 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Center ranks as the #10,765 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Center come from?

The Center 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 Center name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Center 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.

English Old English

Quick Facts

Surname Center
Meaning One who does
Origin English
Language Old English
US Rank (2010) #10,765
US Count (2010) 2,963
Per 100K People 1.0
First Letter C

Ethnic Distribution of Center

According to the US Census, the Center surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,963 Americans with the Center last name.

White 87.04%
Black 5.8%
Hispanic 3.14%
Asian/PI 0.51%
Native American 2.09%
Two+ Races 1.42%
Ethnic distribution of the Center surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White87.04%
Black5.8%
Hispanic3.14%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.51%
Native American2.09%
Two or More Races1.42%

Popularity of Center Over Time

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

Census 2000
#10,074
2,950 people
Down 691
Census 2010
#10,765
2,963 people

The number of Americans with the Center surname increased by 13 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Center Ancestry

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

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Similar Surnames to Center

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

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 Center.

Frequently Asked Questions About Center

The surname Center is of English origin. One who does
The surname Center is ranked #10,765 in the United States with approximately 2,963 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
One who does. The name has English roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Center surname is distributed as: 87.0% White, 5.8% Black. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Center 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.

People searching for information about the Center surname also look for:

Share this page:

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn