Colter — Last Name Origin & Meaning

English origin Rank #8,843 in the US 3,705 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#8,843
▼ Down 59 since 2000
People in the US
3,705
1.26 per 100K people
Origin
English
Old English

Origin & Meaning of the Colter Surname

What does the last name Colter mean?

The surname Colter 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 3,705 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Colter ranks as the #8,843 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Colter come from?

The Colter 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 Colter name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Colter 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 Colter
Meaning One who does
Origin English
Language Old English
US Rank (2010) #8,843
US Count (2010) 3,705
Per 100K People 1.26
First Letter C

Ethnic Distribution of Colter

According to the US Census, the Colter surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,705 Americans with the Colter last name.

White 56.76%
Black 35.06%
Hispanic 3.02%
Asian/PI 0.4%
Native American 0.78%
Two+ Races 3.97%
Ethnic distribution of the Colter surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White56.76%
Black35.06%
Hispanic3.02%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.4%
Native American0.78%
Two or More Races3.97%

Popularity of Colter Over Time

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

Census 2000
#8,784
3,436 people
Down 59
Census 2010
#8,843
3,705 people

The number of Americans with the Colter surname increased by 269 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Colter Ancestry

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

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Similar Surnames to Colter

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

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 Colter.

Frequently Asked Questions About Colter

The surname Colter is of English origin. One who does
The surname Colter is ranked #8,843 in the United States with approximately 3,705 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 Colter surname is distributed as: 56.8% White, 35.1% Black. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Colter 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.

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