Origin & Meaning of the Dempster Surname
What does the last name Dempster mean?
The surname Dempster 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 2,565 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Dempster ranks as the #12,148 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Dempster come from?
The Dempster 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 Dempster name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Dempster 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 | Dempster |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Of or from |
| Origin | French/Spanish |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #12,148 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,565 |
| Per 100K People | 0.87 |
| First Letter | D |
Ethnic Distribution of Dempster
According to the US Census, the Dempster surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,565 Americans with the Dempster last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 84.41% |
| Black | 9.01% |
| Hispanic | 3.24% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.94% |
| Native American | 0.74% |
| Two or More Races | 1.68% |
Popularity of Dempster Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Dempster surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Dempster surname increased by 123 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Dempster
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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 Dempster.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dempster
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