Origin & Meaning of the Jelks Surname
What does the last name Jelks mean?
The surname Jelks 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 2,093 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Jelks ranks as the #14,299 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Jelks come from?
The Jelks 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 Jelks name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Jelks 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 | Jelks |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Surname with roots in African American heritage |
| Origin | African American |
| Language | English |
| US Rank (2010) | #14,299 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,093 |
| Per 100K People | 0.71 |
| First Letter | J |
Ethnic Distribution of Jelks
According to the US Census, the Jelks surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,093 Americans with the Jelks last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 14.19% |
| Black | 80.27% |
| Hispanic | 2.05% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.33% |
| Native American | 0.43% |
| Two or More Races | 2.72% |
Popularity of Jelks Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Jelks surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Jelks surname increased by 181 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Jelks Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Jelks ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Jelks
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Jelks.
Other African American Surnames
Explore more surnames with African American roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same African American origin as Jelks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jelks
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Jelks surname also look for: