Origin & Meaning of the Pfau Surname
What does the last name Pfau mean?
The surname Pfau 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 1,996 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Pfau ranks as the #14,842 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Pfau come from?
The Pfau 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 Pfau name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Pfau 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 | Pfau |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #14,842 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,996 |
| Per 100K People | 0.68 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Pfau
According to the US Census, the Pfau surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,996 Americans with the Pfau last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 95.14% |
| Hispanic | 2.2% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.9% |
Popularity of Pfau Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Pfau surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Pfau surname increased by 8 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Pfau Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Pfau ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Pfau Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Pfau Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Pfau
- ✓ The Pfau coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Pfau families live today
- ✓ Notable Pfau bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Pfau
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Pfau.
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 Pfau.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pfau
Top Surnames Starting with P
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter P, ranked by population.
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