Fear — Last Name Origin & Meaning

European origin Rank #18,502 in the US 1,493 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#18,502
▼ Down 2972 since 2000
People in the US
1,493
0.51 per 100K people
Origin
European
European

Origin & Meaning of the Fear Surname

What does the last name Fear mean?

The surname Fear carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 1,493 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Fear ranks as the #18,502 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Fear come from?

The Fear surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European 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 Fear name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Fear trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.

European European

Quick Facts

Surname Fear
Meaning Family name of European origin
Origin European
Language European
US Rank (2010) #18,502
US Count (2010) 1,493
Per 100K People 0.51
First Letter F

Ethnic Distribution of Fear

According to the US Census, the Fear surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,493 Americans with the Fear last name.

White 94.57%
Black 1.07%
Hispanic 2.01%
Asian/PI 0.54%
Native American 0.67%
Two+ Races 1.14%
Ethnic distribution of the Fear surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White94.57%
Black1.07%
Hispanic2.01%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.54%
Native American0.67%
Two or More Races1.14%

Popularity of Fear Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Fear surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#15,530
1,729 people
Down 2972
Census 2010
#18,502
1,493 people

The number of Americans with the Fear surname decreased by 236 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Fear Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Fear ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Similar Surnames to Fear

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Fear.

Other European Surnames

Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Fear.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fear

The surname Fear is of European origin. Family name of European origin
The surname Fear is ranked #18,502 in the United States with approximately 1,493 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
Family name of European origin. The name has European roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Fear surname is distributed as: 94.6% White. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Fear ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

People searching for information about the Fear surname also look for:

Share this page:

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn