Origin & Meaning of the Hathaway Surname
What does the last name Hathaway mean?
The surname Hathaway carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 18,401 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Hathaway ranks as the #1,966 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Hathaway come from?
The Hathaway surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European 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 Hathaway name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Hathaway trace back to European. 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 | Hathaway |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,966 |
| US Count (2010) | 18,401 |
| Per 100K People | 6.24 |
| First Letter | H |
Ethnic Distribution of Hathaway
According to the US Census, the Hathaway surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 18,401 Americans with the Hathaway last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 90.3% |
| Black | 4.76% |
| Hispanic | 2.22% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.6% |
| Native American | 0.46% |
| Two or More Races | 1.67% |
Popularity of Hathaway Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Hathaway surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Hathaway surname increased by 360 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Hathaway
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Hathaway.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Hathaway.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hathaway
Top Surnames Starting with H
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter H, ranked by population.
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