Origin & Meaning of the Ouellette Surname
What does the last name Ouellette mean?
The surname Ouellette 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 13,984 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Ouellette ranks as the #2,583 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Ouellette come from?
The Ouellette 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 Ouellette name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Ouellette 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 | Ouellette |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,583 |
| US Count (2010) | 13,984 |
| Per 100K People | 4.74 |
| First Letter | O |
Ethnic Distribution of Ouellette
According to the US Census, the Ouellette surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 13,984 Americans with the Ouellette last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 95.92% |
| Black | 0.25% |
| Hispanic | 1.54% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.42% |
| Native American | 0.44% |
| Two or More Races | 1.42% |
Popularity of Ouellette Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Ouellette surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Ouellette surname increased by 486 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Ouellette Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Ouellette ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Ouellette Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Ouellette
- ✓ The Ouellette coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Ouellette families live today
- ✓ Notable Ouellette bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Ouellette
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Ouellette.
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 Ouellette.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ouellette
Top Surnames Starting with O
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter O, ranked by population.
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