Decoteau — Last Name Origin & Meaning

French origin Rank #13,786 in the US 2,194 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#13,786
▲ Up 636 since 2000
People in the US
2,194
0.74 per 100K people
Origin
French
French

Origin & Meaning of the Decoteau Surname

What does the last name Decoteau mean?

The surname Decoteau carries the meaning "Water or beautiful." It is derived from the French language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 2,194 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Decoteau ranks as the #13,786 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Decoteau come from?

The Decoteau surname has its roots in French heritage. Names of French 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 Decoteau name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Decoteau trace back to French. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.

French French

Quick Facts

Surname Decoteau
Meaning Water or beautiful
Origin French
Language French
US Rank (2010) #13,786
US Count (2010) 2,194
Per 100K People 0.74
First Letter D

Ethnic Distribution of Decoteau

According to the US Census, the Decoteau surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,194 Americans with the Decoteau last name.

White 39.56%
Black 14.72%
Hispanic 2.83%
Asian/PI 0.46%
Native American 38.15%
Two+ Races 4.28%
Ethnic distribution of the Decoteau surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White39.56%
Black14.72%
Hispanic2.83%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.46%
Native American38.15%
Two or More Races4.28%

Popularity of Decoteau Over Time

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

Census 2000
#14,422
1,899 people
Up 636
Census 2010
#13,786
2,194 people

The number of Americans with the Decoteau surname increased by 295 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Decoteau Ancestry

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

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Similar Surnames to Decoteau

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

Other French Surnames

Explore more surnames with French roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same French origin as Decoteau.

Frequently Asked Questions About Decoteau

The surname Decoteau is of French origin. Water or beautiful
The surname Decoteau is ranked #13,786 in the United States with approximately 2,194 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
Water or beautiful. The name has French roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Decoteau surname is distributed as: 39.6% White, 14.7% Black. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Decoteau 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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