Origin & Meaning of the Jernigan Surname
What does the last name Jernigan mean?
The surname Jernigan carries the meaning "Descendant of." It is derived from the Irish Gaelic language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 15,889 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Jernigan ranks as the #2,294 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Jernigan come from?
The Jernigan surname has its roots in Irish heritage. Names of Irish 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 Jernigan name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Jernigan trace back to Irish Gaelic. 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 | Jernigan |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Descendant of |
| Origin | Irish |
| Language | Irish Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,294 |
| US Count (2010) | 15,889 |
| Per 100K People | 5.39 |
| First Letter | J |
Ethnic Distribution of Jernigan
According to the US Census, the Jernigan surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 15,889 Americans with the Jernigan last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 76.29% |
| Black | 18.72% |
| Hispanic | 1.79% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.49% |
| Native American | 0.84% |
| Two or More Races | 1.86% |
Popularity of Jernigan Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Jernigan surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Jernigan surname increased by 591 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Jernigan Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Jernigan
- ✓ The Jernigan coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Jernigan families live today
- ✓ Notable Jernigan bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Jernigan
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Jernigan.
Other Irish Surnames
Explore more surnames with Irish roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Irish origin as Jernigan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jernigan
Top Surnames Starting with J
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter J, ranked by population.
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