Origin & Meaning of the Oppenheimer Surname
What does the last name Oppenheimer mean?
The surname Oppenheimer 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 2,182 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Oppenheimer ranks as the #13,850 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Oppenheimer come from?
The Oppenheimer 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 Oppenheimer name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Oppenheimer 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 | Oppenheimer |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #13,850 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,182 |
| Per 100K People | 0.74 |
| First Letter | O |
Ethnic Distribution of Oppenheimer
According to the US Census, the Oppenheimer surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,182 Americans with the Oppenheimer last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 86.39% |
| Black | 1.56% |
| Hispanic | 9.99% |
| Two or More Races | 1.05% |
Popularity of Oppenheimer Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Oppenheimer surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Oppenheimer surname decreased by 15 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Oppenheimer Family
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- ✓ The Oppenheimer coat of arms & heraldry
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Similar Surnames to Oppenheimer
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Oppenheimer.
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 Oppenheimer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oppenheimer
Top Surnames Starting with O
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter O, ranked by population.
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