Origin & Meaning of the Greer Surname
What does the last name Greer mean?
The surname Greer 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 57,043 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Greer ranks as the #590 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Greer come from?
The Greer 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 Greer name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Greer 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 | Greer |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #590 |
| US Count (2010) | 57,043 |
| Per 100K People | 19.34 |
| First Letter | G |
Ethnic Distribution of Greer
According to the US Census, the Greer surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 57,043 Americans with the Greer last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 73.3% |
| Black | 21.33% |
| Hispanic | 2.36% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.49% |
| Native American | 0.45% |
| Two or More Races | 2.07% |
Popularity of Greer Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Greer surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Greer surname increased by 2,432 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 Greer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Greer
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