Origin & Meaning of the Napier Surname
What does the last name Napier mean?
The surname Napier carries the meaning "One who does (occupation)." 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 19,182 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Napier ranks as the #1,872 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Napier come from?
The Napier 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 Napier name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Napier 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 | Napier |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does (occupation) |
| Origin | French |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,872 |
| US Count (2010) | 19,182 |
| Per 100K People | 6.5 |
| First Letter | N |
Ethnic Distribution of Napier
According to the US Census, the Napier surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 19,182 Americans with the Napier last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 84.3% |
| Black | 10.94% |
| Hispanic | 1.88% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.5% |
| Native American | 0.46% |
| Two or More Races | 1.92% |
Popularity of Napier Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Napier surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Napier surname increased by 456 between 2000 and 2010.
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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 Napier.
Frequently Asked Questions About Napier
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