Parenteau — Last Name Origin & Meaning

French origin Rank #13,509 in the US 2,245 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#13,509
▼ Down 788 since 2000
People in the US
2,245
0.76 per 100K people
Origin
French
French

Origin & Meaning of the Parenteau Surname

What does the last name Parenteau mean?

The surname Parenteau carries the meaning "Water or beautiful." It is derived from the French language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 2,245 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Parenteau ranks as the #13,509 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Parenteau come from?

The Parenteau surname has its roots in French heritage. Names of French 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 Parenteau name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Parenteau trace back to French. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.

French French

Quick Facts

Surname Parenteau
Meaning Water or beautiful
Origin French
Language French
US Rank (2010) #13,509
US Count (2010) 2,245
Per 100K People 0.76
First Letter P

Ethnic Distribution of Parenteau

According to the US Census, the Parenteau surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,245 Americans with the Parenteau last name.

White 93.1%
Black 0.31%
Hispanic 3.43%
Asian/PI 0.71%
Native American 0.85%
Two+ Races 1.6%
Ethnic distribution of the Parenteau surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White93.1%
Black0.31%
Hispanic3.43%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.71%
Native American0.85%
Two or More Races1.6%

Popularity of Parenteau Over Time

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

Census 2000
#12,721
2,229 people
Down 788
Census 2010
#13,509
2,245 people

The number of Americans with the Parenteau surname increased by 16 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Parenteau Ancestry

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

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Similar Surnames to Parenteau

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

Other French Surnames

Explore more surnames with French roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same French origin as Parenteau.

Frequently Asked Questions About Parenteau

The surname Parenteau is of French origin. Water or beautiful
The surname Parenteau is ranked #13,509 in the United States with approximately 2,245 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
Water or beautiful. The name has French roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Parenteau surname is distributed as: 93.1% White. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Parenteau 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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