Origin & Meaning of the Rousseau Surname
What does the last name Rousseau mean?
The surname Rousseau carries the meaning "Water or beautiful." It is derived from the French language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 8,270 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Rousseau ranks as the #4,297 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Rousseau come from?
The Rousseau surname has its roots in French heritage. Names of French 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 Rousseau name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Rousseau trace back to French. 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 | Rousseau |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Water or beautiful |
| Origin | French |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #4,297 |
| US Count (2010) | 8,270 |
| Per 100K People | 2.8 |
| First Letter | R |
Ethnic Distribution of Rousseau
According to the US Census, the Rousseau surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 8,270 Americans with the Rousseau last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 81.33% |
| Black | 11.11% |
| Hispanic | 3.14% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.58% |
| Native American | 1.75% |
| Two or More Races | 2.08% |
Popularity of Rousseau Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Rousseau surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Rousseau surname increased by 416 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Rousseau
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Other French Surnames
Explore more surnames with French roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same French origin as Rousseau.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rousseau
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