Origin & Meaning of the Palmer Surname
What does the last name Palmer mean?
The surname Palmer 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 156,601 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Palmer ranks as the #172 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Palmer come from?
The Palmer 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 Palmer name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Palmer 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 | Palmer |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #172 |
| US Count (2010) | 156,601 |
| Per 100K People | 53.09 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Palmer
According to the US Census, the Palmer surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 156,601 Americans with the Palmer last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 75.08% |
| Black | 18.57% |
| Hispanic | 2.87% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.55% |
| Native American | 0.81% |
| Two or More Races | 2.11% |
Popularity of Palmer Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Palmer surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Palmer surname increased by 6,194 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Palmer Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Palmer ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Palmer Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Palmer
- ✓ The Palmer coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Palmer families live today
- ✓ Notable Palmer bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Palmer
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Palmer.
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 Palmer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Palmer
Top Surnames Starting with P
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter P, ranked by population.
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