Self — Last Name Origin & Meaning

European origin Rank #1,520 in the US 23,595 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#1,520
▼ Down 94 since 2000
People in the US
23,595
8.0 per 100K people
Origin
European
European

Origin & Meaning of the Self Surname

What does the last name Self mean?

The surname Self 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 23,595 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Self ranks as the #1,520 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Self come from?

The Self 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 Self name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Self 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.

European European

Quick Facts

Surname Self
Meaning Family name of European origin
Origin European
Language European
US Rank (2010) #1,520
US Count (2010) 23,595
Per 100K People 8.0
First Letter S

Ethnic Distribution of Self

According to the US Census, the Self surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 23,595 Americans with the Self last name.

White 88.29%
Black 5.51%
Hispanic 2.49%
Asian/PI 0.46%
Native American 1.36%
Two+ Races 1.89%
Ethnic distribution of the Self surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White88.29%
Black5.51%
Hispanic2.49%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.46%
Native American1.36%
Two or More Races1.89%

Popularity of Self Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Self surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#1,426
22,954 people
Down 94
Census 2010
#1,520
23,595 people

The number of Americans with the Self surname increased by 641 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Self Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Self ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

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Similar Surnames to Self

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Self.

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 Self.

Frequently Asked Questions About Self

The surname Self is of European origin. Family name of European origin
The surname Self is ranked #1,520 in the United States with approximately 23,595 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
Family name of European origin. The name has European roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Self surname is distributed as: 88.3% White, 5.5% Black. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Self ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

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