Origin & Meaning of the Lister Surname
What does the last name Lister mean?
The surname Lister 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 8,350 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Lister ranks as the #4,250 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Lister come from?
The Lister 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 Lister name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Lister 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 | Lister |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #4,250 |
| US Count (2010) | 8,350 |
| Per 100K People | 2.83 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Lister
According to the US Census, the Lister surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 8,350 Americans with the Lister last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 78.66% |
| Black | 14.74% |
| Hispanic | 3.32% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.36% |
| Native American | 1.34% |
| Two or More Races | 1.58% |
Popularity of Lister Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Lister surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Lister surname increased by 459 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Lister Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Lister ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Lister Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Lister
- ✓ The Lister coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Lister families live today
- ✓ Notable Lister bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Lister
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Lister.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Lister.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lister
Top Surnames Starting with L
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter L, ranked by population.
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