Origin & Meaning of the Derry Surname
What does the last name Derry mean?
The surname Derry 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 4,209 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Derry ranks as the #7,863 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Derry come from?
The Derry 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 Derry name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Derry 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 | Derry |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Of or from |
| Origin | French/Spanish |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #7,863 |
| US Count (2010) | 4,209 |
| Per 100K People | 1.43 |
| First Letter | D |
Ethnic Distribution of Derry
According to the US Census, the Derry surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,209 Americans with the Derry last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 77.48% |
| Black | 15.8% |
| Hispanic | 2.76% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.83% |
| Native American | 0.45% |
| Two or More Races | 2.68% |
Popularity of Derry Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Derry surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Derry surname increased by 13 between 2000 and 2010.
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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 Derry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Derry
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