Origin & Meaning of the Lesser Surname
What does the last name Lesser mean?
The surname Lesser carries the meaning "One who does." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 3,686 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Lesser ranks as the #8,885 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Lesser come from?
The Lesser surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English 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 Lesser name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Lesser trace back to Old English. 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 | Lesser |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #8,885 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,686 |
| Per 100K People | 1.25 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Lesser
According to the US Census, the Lesser surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,686 Americans with the Lesser last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 93.27% |
| Black | 1.11% |
| Hispanic | 3.36% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.71% |
| Native American | 0.35% |
| Two or More Races | 1.19% |
Popularity of Lesser Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Lesser surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Lesser surname increased by 37 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lesser
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