Origin & Meaning of the Fairweather Surname
What does the last name Fairweather mean?
The surname Fairweather carries the meaning "One who does." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 1,819 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Fairweather ranks as the #15,964 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Fairweather come from?
The Fairweather surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English 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 Fairweather name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Fairweather trace back to Old English. 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 | Fairweather |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #15,964 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,819 |
| Per 100K People | 0.62 |
| First Letter | F |
Ethnic Distribution of Fairweather
According to the US Census, the Fairweather surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,819 Americans with the Fairweather last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 68.22% |
| Black | 26.28% |
| Hispanic | 2.53% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.49% |
| Native American | 0.33% |
| Two or More Races | 2.14% |
Popularity of Fairweather Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Fairweather surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Fairweather surname increased by 105 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Fairweather Family
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- ✓ The Fairweather coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Where Fairweather families live today
- ✓ Notable Fairweather bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Fairweather
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Fairweather.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Fairweather.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fairweather
Top Surnames Starting with F
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter F, ranked by population.
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