Origin & Meaning of the Phifer Surname
What does the last name Phifer mean?
The surname Phifer carries the meaning "One who does." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 5,671 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Phifer ranks as the #6,051 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Phifer come from?
The Phifer surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English 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 Phifer name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Phifer trace back to Old English. 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 | Phifer |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #6,051 |
| US Count (2010) | 5,671 |
| Per 100K People | 1.92 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Phifer
According to the US Census, the Phifer surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 5,671 Americans with the Phifer last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 56.43% |
| Black | 37.77% |
| Hispanic | 2.05% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.46% |
| Native American | 0.65% |
| Two or More Races | 2.65% |
Popularity of Phifer Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Phifer surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Phifer surname increased by 296 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Phifer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Phifer
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