Origin & Meaning of the Richter Surname
What does the last name Richter mean?
The surname Richter 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 29,880 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Richter ranks as the #1,178 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Richter come from?
The Richter 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 Richter name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Richter 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 | Richter |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,178 |
| US Count (2010) | 29,880 |
| Per 100K People | 10.13 |
| First Letter | R |
Ethnic Distribution of Richter
According to the US Census, the Richter surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 29,880 Americans with the Richter last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.78% |
| Black | 0.45% |
| Hispanic | 2.74% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.65% |
| Native American | 0.22% |
| Two or More Races | 1.15% |
Popularity of Richter Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Richter surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Richter surname increased by 647 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Richter
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