Origin & Meaning of the Phelps Surname
What does the last name Phelps mean?
The surname Phelps 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 52,044 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Phelps ranks as the #657 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Phelps come from?
The Phelps 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 Phelps name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Phelps 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 | Phelps |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #657 |
| US Count (2010) | 52,044 |
| Per 100K People | 17.64 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Phelps
According to the US Census, the Phelps surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 52,044 Americans with the Phelps last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 85.1% |
| Black | 9.68% |
| Hispanic | 2.29% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.52% |
| Native American | 0.6% |
| Two or More Races | 1.82% |
Popularity of Phelps Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Phelps surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Phelps surname increased by 890 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Phelps Ancestry
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The Complete Story of the Phelps Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Phelps
- ✓ The Phelps coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Phelps families live today
- ✓ Notable Phelps bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Phelps
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Phelps.
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 Phelps.
Frequently Asked Questions About Phelps
Top Surnames Starting with P
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter P, ranked by population.
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