Origin & Meaning of the Salter Surname
What does the last name Salter mean?
The surname Salter 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 14,641 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Salter ranks as the #2,462 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Salter come from?
The Salter 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 Salter name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Salter 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 | Salter |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,462 |
| US Count (2010) | 14,641 |
| Per 100K People | 4.96 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Salter
According to the US Census, the Salter surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 14,641 Americans with the Salter last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 69.76% |
| Black | 24.94% |
| Hispanic | 1.89% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.55% |
| Native American | 0.77% |
| Two or More Races | 2.09% |
Popularity of Salter Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Salter surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Salter surname increased by 650 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Salter Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Salter ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Salter
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Salter.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Salter.
Frequently Asked Questions About Salter
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Salter surname also look for: