Origin & Meaning of the Sheffield Surname
What does the last name Sheffield mean?
The surname Sheffield carries the meaning "From a field or open land." 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 19,738 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Sheffield ranks as the #1,817 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Sheffield come from?
The Sheffield 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 Sheffield name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Sheffield 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 | Sheffield |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a field or open land |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,817 |
| US Count (2010) | 19,738 |
| Per 100K People | 6.69 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Sheffield
According to the US Census, the Sheffield surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 19,738 Americans with the Sheffield last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 76.36% |
| Black | 18.8% |
| Hispanic | 1.88% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.42% |
| Native American | 0.77% |
| Two or More Races | 1.77% |
Popularity of Sheffield Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Sheffield surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Sheffield surname increased by 755 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Sheffield
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Sheffield.
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 Sheffield.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sheffield
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