Origin & Meaning of the Kilmer Surname
What does the last name Kilmer mean?
The surname Kilmer 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 5,799 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Kilmer ranks as the #5,938 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Kilmer come from?
The Kilmer 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 Kilmer name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Kilmer 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 | Kilmer |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #5,938 |
| US Count (2010) | 5,799 |
| Per 100K People | 1.97 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Kilmer
According to the US Census, the Kilmer surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 5,799 Americans with the Kilmer last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.0% |
| Black | 0.57% |
| Hispanic | 2.36% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.71% |
| Native American | 0.47% |
| Two or More Races | 1.9% |
Popularity of Kilmer Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Kilmer surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Kilmer surname increased by 570 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Kilmer Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Kilmer ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Kilmer Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Kilmer Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Kilmer
- ✓ The Kilmer coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Kilmer families live today
- ✓ Notable Kilmer bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Kilmer
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Kilmer.
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 Kilmer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kilmer
Top Surnames Starting with K
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter K, ranked by population.
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