Origin & Meaning of the Heyward Surname
What does the last name Heyward mean?
The surname Heyward carries the meaning "Surname with roots in African American heritage." It is derived from the English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 4,867 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Heyward ranks as the #6,904 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Heyward come from?
The Heyward surname has its roots in African American heritage. Names of African American 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 Heyward name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Heyward trace back to 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 | Heyward |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Surname with roots in African American heritage |
| Origin | African American |
| Language | English |
| US Rank (2010) | #6,904 |
| US Count (2010) | 4,867 |
| Per 100K People | 1.65 |
| First Letter | H |
Ethnic Distribution of Heyward
According to the US Census, the Heyward surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,867 Americans with the Heyward last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 13.33% |
| Black | 82.0% |
| Hispanic | 1.91% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.16% |
| Native American | 0.21% |
| Two or More Races | 2.38% |
Popularity of Heyward Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Heyward surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Heyward surname increased by 448 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other African American Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Heyward
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