Origin & Meaning of the Phinney Surname
What does the last name Phinney mean?
The surname Phinney 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 3,472 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Phinney ranks as the #9,368 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Phinney come from?
The Phinney 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 Phinney name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Phinney 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 | Phinney |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #9,368 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,472 |
| Per 100K People | 1.18 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Phinney
According to the US Census, the Phinney surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,472 Americans with the Phinney last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 93.29% |
| Black | 1.58% |
| Hispanic | 2.53% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.75% |
| Native American | 0.2% |
| Two or More Races | 1.64% |
Popularity of Phinney Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Phinney surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Phinney surname increased by 52 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Phinney
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