Origin & Meaning of the Green Surname
What does the last name Green mean?
The surname Green carries the meaning "Topographical name for someone who lived near a village green." 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 430,182 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Green ranks as the #41 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Green come from?
The Green 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 Green name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Green 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 | Green |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Topographical name for someone who lived near a village green |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #41 |
| US Count (2010) | 430,182 |
| Per 100K People | 145.83 |
| First Letter | G |
Ethnic Distribution of Green
According to the US Census, the Green surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 430,182 Americans with the Green last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 56.84% |
| Black | 36.97% |
| Hispanic | 2.64% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.44% |
| Native American | 0.64% |
| Two or More Races | 2.47% |
Popularity of Green Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Green surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Green surname increased by 16,705 between 2000 and 2010.
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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 Green.
Frequently Asked Questions About Green
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