Origin & Meaning of the Rutherford Surname
What does the last name Rutherford mean?
The surname Rutherford carries the meaning "From a river crossing." 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 28,079 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Rutherford ranks as the #1,250 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Rutherford come from?
The Rutherford 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 Rutherford name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Rutherford 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 | Rutherford |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a river crossing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,250 |
| US Count (2010) | 28,079 |
| Per 100K People | 9.52 |
| First Letter | R |
Ethnic Distribution of Rutherford
According to the US Census, the Rutherford surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 28,079 Americans with the Rutherford last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 82.13% |
| Black | 11.69% |
| Hispanic | 2.2% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.53% |
| Native American | 1.16% |
| Two or More Races | 2.29% |
Popularity of Rutherford Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Rutherford surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Rutherford surname increased by 540 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rutherford
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