Origin & Meaning of the Pence Surname
What does the last name Pence mean?
The surname Pence 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 12,101 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Pence ranks as the #2,965 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Pence come from?
The Pence 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 Pence name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Pence 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 | Pence |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,965 |
| US Count (2010) | 12,101 |
| Per 100K People | 4.1 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Pence
According to the US Census, the Pence surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 12,101 Americans with the Pence last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.89% |
| Black | 0.72% |
| Hispanic | 1.89% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.48% |
| Native American | 0.52% |
| Two or More Races | 1.5% |
Popularity of Pence Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Pence surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Pence surname increased by 149 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Pence
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Pence.
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 Pence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pence
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