Origin & Meaning of the Lancaster Surname
What does the last name Lancaster mean?
The surname Lancaster 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 32,362 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Lancaster ranks as the #1,080 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Lancaster come from?
The Lancaster 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 Lancaster name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Lancaster 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 | Lancaster |
|---|---|
| Meaning | The (feminine) |
| Origin | French/Spanish |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,080 |
| US Count (2010) | 32,362 |
| Per 100K People | 10.97 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Lancaster
According to the US Census, the Lancaster surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 32,362 Americans with the Lancaster last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 84.28% |
| Black | 10.07% |
| Hispanic | 2.3% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.61% |
| Native American | 0.65% |
| Two or More Races | 2.1% |
Popularity of Lancaster Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Lancaster surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Lancaster surname increased by 676 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Lancaster
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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 Lancaster.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lancaster
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