Origin & Meaning of the Lafontaine Surname
What does the last name Lafontaine mean?
The surname Lafontaine 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 3,652 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Lafontaine ranks as the #8,964 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Lafontaine come from?
The Lafontaine 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 Lafontaine name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Lafontaine 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 | Lafontaine |
|---|---|
| Meaning | The (feminine) |
| Origin | French/Spanish |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #8,964 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,652 |
| Per 100K People | 1.24 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Lafontaine
According to the US Census, the Lafontaine surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,652 Americans with the Lafontaine last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 77.82% |
| Black | 1.62% |
| Hispanic | 13.34% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.47% |
| Native American | 4.74% |
| Two or More Races | 2.03% |
Popularity of Lafontaine Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Lafontaine surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Lafontaine surname increased by 155 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Lafontaine
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Lafontaine.
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 Lafontaine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lafontaine
Top Surnames Starting with L
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter L, ranked by population.
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