Origin & Meaning of the Lester Surname
What does the last name Lester mean?
The surname Lester 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 44,784 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Lester ranks as the #768 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Lester come from?
The Lester 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 Lester name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Lester 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 | Lester |
|---|---|
| Meaning | The (article) |
| Origin | French |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #768 |
| US Count (2010) | 44,784 |
| Per 100K People | 15.18 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Lester
According to the US Census, the Lester surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 44,784 Americans with the Lester last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 75.78% |
| Black | 18.6% |
| Hispanic | 2.22% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.43% |
| Native American | 1.21% |
| Two or More Races | 1.75% |
Popularity of Lester Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Lester surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Lester surname increased by 865 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Lester Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Lester ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Lester
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Lester.
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 Lester.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lester
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Lester surname also look for: