Origin & Meaning of the Lafayette Surname
What does the last name Lafayette mean?
The surname Lafayette carries the meaning "The (feminine)." It is derived from the French language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 2,593 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Lafayette ranks as the #12,035 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Lafayette come from?
The Lafayette surname has its roots in French/Spanish heritage. Names of French/Spanish 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 Lafayette name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Lafayette trace back to French. 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 | Lafayette |
|---|---|
| Meaning | The (feminine) |
| Origin | French/Spanish |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #12,035 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,593 |
| Per 100K People | 0.88 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Lafayette
According to the US Census, the Lafayette surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,593 Americans with the Lafayette last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 54.84% |
| Black | 36.37% |
| Hispanic | 4.7% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.85% |
| Native American | 0.31% |
| Two or More Races | 2.93% |
Popularity of Lafayette Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Lafayette surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Lafayette surname increased by 206 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Lafayette
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Lafayette.
Other French/Spanish Surnames
Explore more surnames with French/Spanish roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same French/Spanish origin as Lafayette.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lafayette
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