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.
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.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.25% |
| Black | 0.41% |
| Hispanic | 3.43% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.68% |
| Native American | 0.19% |
| Two or More Races | 1.04% |
Popularity of Pappas Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Pappas surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Pappas surname decreased by 195 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Pappas Ancestry
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The Complete Story of the Pappas Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Pappas
- ✓ The Pappas coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Pappas families live today
- ✓ Notable Pappas bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings 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
Top Surnames Starting with P
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter P, ranked by population.
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