Origin & Meaning of the Lenihan Surname
What does the last name Lenihan mean?
The surname Lenihan carries the meaning "The (article)." 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 2,128 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Lenihan ranks as the #14,119 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Lenihan come from?
The Lenihan surname has its roots in French heritage. Names of French 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 Lenihan name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Lenihan 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 | Lenihan |
|---|---|
| Meaning | The (article) |
| Origin | French |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #14,119 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,128 |
| Per 100K People | 0.72 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Lenihan
According to the US Census, the Lenihan surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,128 Americans with the Lenihan last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.41% |
| Hispanic | 3.01% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.75% |
| Two or More Races | 1.36% |
Popularity of Lenihan Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Lenihan surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Lenihan surname increased by 62 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Lenihan Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Lenihan ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Lenihan
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Lenihan.
Other French Surnames
Explore more surnames with French roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same French origin as Lenihan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lenihan
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Lenihan surname also look for: