Origin & Meaning of the Phelan Surname
What does the last name Phelan mean?
The surname Phelan 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 10,562 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Phelan ranks as the #3,382 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Phelan come from?
The Phelan 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 Phelan name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Phelan 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 | Phelan |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,382 |
| US Count (2010) | 10,562 |
| Per 100K People | 3.58 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Phelan
According to the US Census, the Phelan surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 10,562 Americans with the Phelan last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 92.98% |
| Black | 1.3% |
| Hispanic | 2.87% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.64% |
| Native American | 0.77% |
| Two or More Races | 1.44% |
Popularity of Phelan Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Phelan surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Phelan surname increased by 219 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other European Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Phelan
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