Origin & Meaning of the Ross Surname
What does the last name Ross mean?
The surname Ross carries the meaning "From the Gaelic word ros meaning 'headland' or 'peninsula'." It is derived from the Scottish Gaelic language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 229,368 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Ross ranks as the #98 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Ross come from?
The Ross surname has its roots in Scottish heritage. Names of Scottish 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 Ross name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Ross trace back to Scottish Gaelic. 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 | Ross |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From the Gaelic word ros meaning 'headland' or 'peninsula' |
| Origin | Scottish |
| Language | Scottish Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #98 |
| US Count (2010) | 229,368 |
| Per 100K People | 77.76 |
| First Letter | R |
Ethnic Distribution of Ross
According to the US Census, the Ross surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 229,368 Americans with the Ross last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 68.96% |
| Black | 24.46% |
| Hispanic | 2.75% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.61% |
| Native American | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 2.32% |
Popularity of Ross Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Ross surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Ross surname increased by 9,407 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Scottish Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ross
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