Origin & Meaning of the Fretwell Surname
What does the last name Fretwell mean?
The surname Fretwell carries the meaning "From a spring or stream." 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 2,106 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Fretwell ranks as the #14,238 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Fretwell come from?
The Fretwell 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 Fretwell name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Fretwell 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 | Fretwell |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a spring or stream |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #14,238 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,106 |
| Per 100K People | 0.71 |
| First Letter | F |
Ethnic Distribution of Fretwell
According to the US Census, the Fretwell surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,106 Americans with the Fretwell last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 87.56% |
| Black | 5.08% |
| Hispanic | 2.8% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.85% |
| Native American | 1.28% |
| Two or More Races | 2.42% |
Popularity of Fretwell Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Fretwell surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Fretwell surname increased by 96 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Fretwell Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Fretwell ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Fretwell
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Fretwell.
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 Fretwell.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fretwell
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Fretwell surname also look for: