Origin & Meaning of the Rourke Surname
What does the last name Rourke mean?
The surname Rourke 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 3,757 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Rourke ranks as the #8,728 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Rourke come from?
The Rourke 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 Rourke name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Rourke 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 | Rourke |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #8,728 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,757 |
| Per 100K People | 1.27 |
| First Letter | R |
Ethnic Distribution of Rourke
According to the US Census, the Rourke surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,757 Americans with the Rourke last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 93.64% |
| Black | 0.48% |
| Hispanic | 1.89% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.75% |
| Native American | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 1.65% |
Popularity of Rourke Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Rourke surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Rourke surname increased by 69 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Rourke Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Rourke ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Rourke Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Rourke
- ✓ The Rourke coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Rourke families live today
- ✓ Notable Rourke bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Rourke
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Rourke.
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 Rourke.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rourke
Top Surnames Starting with R
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter R, ranked by population.
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