Origin & Meaning of the Kelleher Surname
What does the last name Kelleher mean?
The surname Kelleher 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 9,714 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Kelleher ranks as the #3,663 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Kelleher come from?
The Kelleher 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 Kelleher name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Kelleher 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 | Kelleher |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,663 |
| US Count (2010) | 9,714 |
| Per 100K People | 3.29 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Kelleher
According to the US Census, the Kelleher surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 9,714 Americans with the Kelleher last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 95.33% |
| Black | 0.26% |
| Hispanic | 2.55% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.71% |
| Native American | 0.09% |
| Two or More Races | 1.06% |
Popularity of Kelleher Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Kelleher surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Kelleher surname increased by 179 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Kelleher
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Kelleher.
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 Kelleher.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kelleher
Top Surnames Starting with K
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter K, ranked by population.
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