Origin & Meaning of the Lenoir Surname
What does the last name Lenoir mean?
The surname Lenoir 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 3,534 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Lenoir ranks as the #9,222 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Lenoir come from?
The Lenoir 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 Lenoir name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Lenoir 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 | Lenoir |
|---|---|
| Meaning | The (article) |
| Origin | French |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #9,222 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,534 |
| Per 100K People | 1.2 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Lenoir
According to the US Census, the Lenoir surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,534 Americans with the Lenoir last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 35.43% |
| Black | 54.9% |
| Hispanic | 2.21% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.28% |
| Native American | 3.82% |
| Two or More Races | 3.37% |
Popularity of Lenoir Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Lenoir surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Lenoir surname increased by 287 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Lenoir
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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 Lenoir.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lenoir
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