Origin & Meaning of the Fortner Surname
What does the last name Fortner mean?
The surname Fortner 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 11,951 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Fortner ranks as the #3,001 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Fortner come from?
The Fortner 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 Fortner name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Fortner 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 | Fortner |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,001 |
| US Count (2010) | 11,951 |
| Per 100K People | 4.05 |
| First Letter | F |
Ethnic Distribution of Fortner
According to the US Census, the Fortner surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 11,951 Americans with the Fortner last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 89.93% |
| Black | 5.41% |
| Hispanic | 1.65% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.39% |
| Native American | 0.85% |
| Two or More Races | 1.77% |
Popularity of Fortner Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Fortner surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Fortner surname increased by 742 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Fortner
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