Origin & Meaning of the Duty Surname
What does the last name Duty mean?
The surname Duty carries the meaning "Of the." 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 4,685 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Duty ranks as the #7,138 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Duty come from?
The Duty 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 Duty name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Duty 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 | Duty |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Of the |
| Origin | French |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #7,138 |
| US Count (2010) | 4,685 |
| Per 100K People | 1.59 |
| First Letter | D |
Ethnic Distribution of Duty
According to the US Census, the Duty surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,685 Americans with the Duty last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 89.48% |
| Black | 4.67% |
| Hispanic | 1.9% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.75% |
| Native American | 0.92% |
| Two or More Races | 2.28% |
Popularity of Duty Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Duty surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Duty surname increased by 147 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Duty
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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 Duty.
Frequently Asked Questions About Duty
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