Origin & Meaning of the Kemper Surname
What does the last name Kemper mean?
The surname Kemper 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 10,518 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Kemper ranks as the #3,401 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Kemper come from?
The Kemper 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 Kemper name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Kemper 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 | Kemper |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,401 |
| US Count (2010) | 10,518 |
| Per 100K People | 3.57 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Kemper
According to the US Census, the Kemper surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 10,518 Americans with the Kemper last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 89.45% |
| Black | 5.95% |
| Hispanic | 2.19% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.49% |
| Native American | 0.42% |
| Two or More Races | 1.5% |
Popularity of Kemper Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Kemper surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Kemper surname increased by 179 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kemper
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