Origin & Meaning of the Prater Surname
What does the last name Prater mean?
The surname Prater 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 19,484 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Prater ranks as the #1,839 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Prater come from?
The Prater 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 Prater name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Prater 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 | Prater |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,839 |
| US Count (2010) | 19,484 |
| Per 100K People | 6.61 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Prater
According to the US Census, the Prater surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 19,484 Americans with the Prater last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 81.2% |
| Black | 13.76% |
| Hispanic | 1.86% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.41% |
| Native American | 0.78% |
| Two or More Races | 1.99% |
Popularity of Prater Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Prater surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Prater surname increased by 919 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Prater
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