Origin & Meaning of the Hester Surname
What does the last name Hester mean?
The surname Hester 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 35,642 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Hester ranks as the #976 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Hester come from?
The Hester 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 Hester name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Hester 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 | Hester |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #976 |
| US Count (2010) | 35,642 |
| Per 100K People | 12.08 |
| First Letter | H |
Ethnic Distribution of Hester
According to the US Census, the Hester surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 35,642 Americans with the Hester last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 73.1% |
| Black | 21.94% |
| Hispanic | 1.76% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.52% |
| Native American | 0.5% |
| Two or More Races | 2.18% |
Popularity of Hester Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Hester surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Hester surname increased by 967 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 Hester.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hester
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