Gardner — Last Name Origin & Meaning

English origin Rank #194 in the US 142,894 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#194
▼ Down 12 since 2000
People in the US
142,894
48.44 per 100K people
Origin
English
Old English

Origin & Meaning of the Gardner Surname

What does the last name Gardner mean?

The surname Gardner 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 142,894 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Gardner ranks as the #194 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Gardner come from?

The Gardner 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 Gardner name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Gardner 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.

English Old English

Quick Facts

Surname Gardner
Meaning One who does
Origin English
Language Old English
US Rank (2010) #194
US Count (2010) 142,894
Per 100K People 48.44
First Letter G

Ethnic Distribution of Gardner

According to the US Census, the Gardner surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 142,894 Americans with the Gardner last name.

White 75.01%
Black 19.4%
Hispanic 2.29%
Asian/PI 0.56%
Native American 0.7%
Two+ Races 2.04%
Ethnic distribution of the Gardner surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White75.01%
Black19.4%
Hispanic2.29%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.56%
Native American0.7%
Two or More Races2.04%

Popularity of Gardner Over Time

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

Census 2000
#182
138,660 people
Down 12
Census 2010
#194
142,894 people

The number of Americans with the Gardner surname increased by 4,234 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Gardner Ancestry

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

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Similar Surnames to Gardner

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

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 Gardner.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gardner

The surname Gardner is of English origin. One who does
The surname Gardner is ranked #194 in the United States with approximately 142,894 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
One who does. The name has English roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Gardner surname is distributed as: 75.0% White, 19.4% Black. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Gardner 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.

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