Origin & Meaning of the Rafferty Surname
What does the last name Rafferty mean?
The surname Rafferty 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 9,311 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Rafferty ranks as the #3,802 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Rafferty come from?
The Rafferty 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 Rafferty name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Rafferty 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 | Rafferty |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,802 |
| US Count (2010) | 9,311 |
| Per 100K People | 3.16 |
| First Letter | R |
Ethnic Distribution of Rafferty
According to the US Census, the Rafferty surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 9,311 Americans with the Rafferty last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 95.44% |
| Black | 0.48% |
| Hispanic | 2.0% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.63% |
| Native American | 0.29% |
| Two or More Races | 1.16% |
Popularity of Rafferty Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Rafferty surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Rafferty surname increased by 234 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Rafferty
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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 Rafferty.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rafferty
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