Origin & Meaning of the Oswald Surname
What does the last name Oswald mean?
The surname Oswald carries the meaning "Forest." It is derived from the German language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 14,322 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Oswald ranks as the #2,530 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Oswald come from?
The Oswald surname has its roots in German heritage. Names of German 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 Oswald name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Oswald trace back to German. 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 | Oswald |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Forest |
| Origin | German |
| Language | German |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,530 |
| US Count (2010) | 14,322 |
| Per 100K People | 4.86 |
| First Letter | O |
Ethnic Distribution of Oswald
According to the US Census, the Oswald surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 14,322 Americans with the Oswald last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.81% |
| Black | 0.89% |
| Hispanic | 2.06% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.62% |
| Native American | 0.34% |
| Two or More Races | 1.28% |
Popularity of Oswald Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Oswald surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Oswald surname decreased by 10 between 2000 and 2010.
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- ✓ The Oswald coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Where Oswald families live today
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Similar Surnames to Oswald
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Oswald.
Other German Surnames
Explore more surnames with German roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same German origin as Oswald.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oswald
Top Surnames Starting with O
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter O, ranked by population.
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