Painter — Last Name Origin & Meaning

English origin Rank #1,641 in the US 21,969 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#1,641
▼ Down 127 since 2000
People in the US
21,969
7.45 per 100K people
Origin
English
Old English

Origin & Meaning of the Painter Surname

What does the last name Painter mean?

The surname Painter 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 21,969 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Painter ranks as the #1,641 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Painter come from?

The Painter 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 Painter name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Painter 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.

English Old English

Quick Facts

Surname Painter
Meaning One who does
Origin English
Language Old English
US Rank (2010) #1,641
US Count (2010) 21,969
Per 100K People 7.45
First Letter P

Ethnic Distribution of Painter

According to the US Census, the Painter surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 21,969 Americans with the Painter last name.

White 94.12%
Black 1.04%
Hispanic 1.79%
Asian/PI 0.66%
Native American 0.84%
Two+ Races 1.54%
Ethnic distribution of the Painter surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White94.12%
Black1.04%
Hispanic1.79%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.66%
Native American0.84%
Two or More Races1.54%

Popularity of Painter Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Painter surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#1,514
21,725 people
Down 127
Census 2010
#1,641
21,969 people

The number of Americans with the Painter surname increased by 244 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Painter Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Painter ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

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Similar Surnames to Painter

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Painter.

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 Painter.

Frequently Asked Questions About Painter

The surname Painter is of English origin. One who does
The surname Painter is ranked #1,641 in the United States with approximately 21,969 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
One who does. The name has English roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Painter surname is distributed as: 94.1% White. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Painter ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

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