Origin & Meaning of the Fifer Surname
What does the last name Fifer mean?
The surname Fifer 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 2,971 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Fifer ranks as the #10,743 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Fifer come from?
The Fifer 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 Fifer name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Fifer 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 | Fifer |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #10,743 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,971 |
| Per 100K People | 1.01 |
| First Letter | F |
Ethnic Distribution of Fifer
According to the US Census, the Fifer surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,971 Americans with the Fifer last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 73.34% |
| Black | 20.16% |
| Hispanic | 2.59% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.54% |
| Native American | 1.08% |
| Two or More Races | 2.29% |
Popularity of Fifer Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Fifer surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Fifer surname decreased by 27 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Fifer Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Fifer ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Fifer
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Fifer.
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 Fifer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fifer
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Fifer surname also look for: