Origin & Meaning of the Obrien Surname
What does the last name Obrien mean?
The surname Obrien 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 118,557 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Obrien ranks as the #258 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Obrien come from?
The Obrien 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 Obrien name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Obrien 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 | Obrien |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #258 |
| US Count (2010) | 118,557 |
| Per 100K People | 40.19 |
| First Letter | O |
Ethnic Distribution of Obrien
According to the US Census, the Obrien surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 118,557 Americans with the Obrien last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 93.85% |
| Black | 1.29% |
| Hispanic | 2.32% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.76% |
| Native American | 0.37% |
| Two or More Races | 1.42% |
Popularity of Obrien Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Obrien surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Obrien surname increased by 3,172 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Obrien Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Obrien ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Obrien
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Obrien.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Obrien.
Frequently Asked Questions About Obrien
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Obrien surname also look for: