Pappas — Last Name Origin & Meaning

European origin Rank #2,198 in the US 16,559 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#2,198
▼ Down 221 since 2000
People in the US
16,559
5.61 per 100K people
Origin
European
European

Origin & Meaning of the Pappas Surname

What does the last name Pappas mean?

The surname Pappas 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 16,559 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Pappas ranks as the #2,198 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Pappas come from?

The Pappas 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 Pappas name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Pappas 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.

European European

Quick Facts

Surname Pappas
Meaning Family name of European origin
Origin European
Language European
US Rank (2010) #2,198
US Count (2010) 16,559
Per 100K People 5.61
First Letter P

Ethnic Distribution of Pappas

According to the US Census, the Pappas surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 16,559 Americans with the Pappas last name.

White 94.25%
Black 0.41%
Hispanic 3.43%
Asian/PI 0.68%
Native American 0.19%
Two+ Races 1.04%
Ethnic distribution of the Pappas surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White94.25%
Black0.41%
Hispanic3.43%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.68%
Native American0.19%
Two or More Races1.04%

Popularity of Pappas Over Time

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

Census 2000
#1,977
16,754 people
Down 221
Census 2010
#2,198
16,559 people

The number of Americans with the Pappas surname decreased by 195 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Pappas Ancestry

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

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Similar Surnames to Pappas

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

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 Pappas.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pappas

The surname Pappas is of European origin. Family name of European origin
The surname Pappas is ranked #2,198 in the United States with approximately 16,559 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
Family name of European origin. The name has European roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Pappas surname is distributed as: 94.2% White. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Pappas 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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