Origin & Meaning of the Oster Surname
What does the last name Oster mean?
The surname Oster 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 6,259 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Oster ranks as the #5,554 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Oster come from?
The Oster 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 Oster name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Oster 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 | Oster |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #5,554 |
| US Count (2010) | 6,259 |
| Per 100K People | 2.12 |
| First Letter | O |
Ethnic Distribution of Oster
According to the US Census, the Oster surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 6,259 Americans with the Oster last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 93.83% |
| Black | 0.78% |
| Hispanic | 2.64% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.75% |
| Native American | 0.35% |
| Two or More Races | 1.65% |
Popularity of Oster Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Oster surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Oster surname increased by 488 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Oster
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