Origin & Meaning of the Metcalf Surname
What does the last name Metcalf mean?
The surname Metcalf carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 23,946 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Metcalf ranks as the #1,494 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Metcalf come from?
The Metcalf surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European 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 Metcalf name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Metcalf trace back to European. 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 | Metcalf |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,494 |
| US Count (2010) | 23,946 |
| Per 100K People | 8.12 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Metcalf
According to the US Census, the Metcalf surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 23,946 Americans with the Metcalf last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 86.74% |
| Black | 7.83% |
| Hispanic | 2.04% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.51% |
| Native American | 0.99% |
| Two or More Races | 1.88% |
Popularity of Metcalf Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Metcalf surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Metcalf surname increased by 406 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other European Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Metcalf
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