Origin & Meaning of the Mortimer Surname
What does the last name Mortimer mean?
The surname Mortimer 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 5,521 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mortimer ranks as the #6,195 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mortimer come from?
The Mortimer 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 Mortimer name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mortimer 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 | Mortimer |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #6,195 |
| US Count (2010) | 5,521 |
| Per 100K People | 1.87 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mortimer
According to the US Census, the Mortimer surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 5,521 Americans with the Mortimer last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 87.0% |
| Black | 8.17% |
| Hispanic | 2.17% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.58% |
| Native American | 0.25% |
| Two or More Races | 1.83% |
Popularity of Mortimer Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mortimer surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mortimer surname increased by 163 between 2000 and 2010.
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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 Mortimer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mortimer
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