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.
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.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 93.1% |
| Black | 0.31% |
| Hispanic | 3.43% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.71% |
| Native American | 0.85% |
| Two or More Races | 1.6% |
Popularity of Parenteau Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Parenteau surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Parenteau surname increased by 16 between 2000 and 2010.
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- ✓ The Parenteau coat of arms & heraldry
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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
Top Surnames Starting with P
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter P, ranked by population.
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