Penning — Last Name Origin & Meaning

European origin Rank #16,250 in the US 1,776 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#16,250
▼ Down 574 since 2000
People in the US
1,776
0.6 per 100K people
Origin
European
European

Origin & Meaning of the Penning Surname

What does the last name Penning mean?

The surname Penning 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 1,776 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Penning ranks as the #16,250 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Penning come from?

The Penning 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 Penning name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Penning 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 Penning
Meaning Family name of European origin
Origin European
Language European
US Rank (2010) #16,250
US Count (2010) 1,776
Per 100K People 0.6
First Letter P

Ethnic Distribution of Penning

According to the US Census, the Penning surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,776 Americans with the Penning last name.

White 94.65%
Black 0.62%
Hispanic 2.53%
Asian/PI 0.45%
Native American 0.28%
Two+ Races 1.46%
Ethnic distribution of the Penning surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White94.65%
Black0.62%
Hispanic2.53%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.45%
Native American0.28%
Two or More Races1.46%

Popularity of Penning Over Time

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

Census 2000
#15,676
1,711 people
Down 574
Census 2010
#16,250
1,776 people

The number of Americans with the Penning surname increased by 65 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Penning Ancestry

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

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Similar Surnames to Penning

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

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 Penning.

Frequently Asked Questions About Penning

The surname Penning is of European origin. Family name of European origin
The surname Penning is ranked #16,250 in the United States with approximately 1,776 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 Penning surname is distributed as: 94.7% White. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Penning 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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