Origin & Meaning of the Cotter Surname
What does the last name Cotter mean?
The surname Cotter 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 11,904 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Cotter ranks as the #3,010 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Cotter come from?
The Cotter 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 Cotter name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Cotter 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 | Cotter |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,010 |
| US Count (2010) | 11,904 |
| Per 100K People | 4.04 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Cotter
According to the US Census, the Cotter surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 11,904 Americans with the Cotter last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.52% |
| Black | 0.71% |
| Hispanic | 2.13% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.75% |
| Native American | 0.54% |
| Two or More Races | 1.35% |
Popularity of Cotter Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Cotter surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Cotter surname decreased by 73 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cotter
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