Origin & Meaning of the Dempsey Surname
What does the last name Dempsey mean?
The surname Dempsey carries the meaning "Of or from." 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 26,863 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Dempsey ranks as the #1,308 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Dempsey come from?
The Dempsey surname has its roots in French/Spanish heritage. Names of French/Spanish 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 Dempsey name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Dempsey 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.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Dempsey |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Of or from |
| Origin | French/Spanish |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,308 |
| US Count (2010) | 26,863 |
| Per 100K People | 9.11 |
| First Letter | D |
Ethnic Distribution of Dempsey
According to the US Census, the Dempsey surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 26,863 Americans with the Dempsey last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 88.86% |
| Black | 5.6% |
| Hispanic | 2.39% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.59% |
| Native American | 0.88% |
| Two or More Races | 1.68% |
Popularity of Dempsey Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Dempsey surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Dempsey surname increased by 460 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Dempsey
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Other French/Spanish Surnames
Explore more surnames with French/Spanish roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same French/Spanish origin as Dempsey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dempsey
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