Origin & Meaning of the Graham Surname
What does the last name Graham mean?
The surname Graham carries the meaning "From a homestead or village." 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 201,159 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Graham ranks as the #120 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Graham come from?
The Graham 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 Graham name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Graham 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 | Graham |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a homestead or village |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #120 |
| US Count (2010) | 201,159 |
| Per 100K People | 68.19 |
| First Letter | G |
Ethnic Distribution of Graham
According to the US Census, the Graham surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 201,159 Americans with the Graham last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 70.02% |
| Black | 23.99% |
| Hispanic | 2.55% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.51% |
| Native American | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 2.13% |
Popularity of Graham Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Graham surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Graham surname increased by 7,085 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Graham
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