Origin & Meaning of the Prior Surname
What does the last name Prior mean?
The surname Prior 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 6,787 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Prior ranks as the #5,154 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Prior come from?
The Prior 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 Prior name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Prior 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 | Prior |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #5,154 |
| US Count (2010) | 6,787 |
| Per 100K People | 2.3 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Prior
According to the US Census, the Prior surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 6,787 Americans with the Prior last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 87.67% |
| Black | 5.82% |
| Hispanic | 3.01% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.8% |
| Native American | 0.74% |
| Two or More Races | 1.97% |
Popularity of Prior Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Prior surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Prior surname increased by 233 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Prior
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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 Prior.
Frequently Asked Questions About Prior
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