Origin & Meaning of the Sinclair Surname
What does the last name Sinclair mean?
The surname Sinclair carries the meaning "Origin and meaning under research." It is derived from the Unknown language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 27,243 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Sinclair ranks as the #1,290 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Sinclair come from?
The Sinclair surname has its roots in Unknown heritage. Names of Unknown 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 Sinclair name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Sinclair trace back to Unknown. 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 | Sinclair |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Origin and meaning under research |
| Origin | Unknown |
| Language | Unknown |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,290 |
| US Count (2010) | 27,243 |
| Per 100K People | 9.24 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Sinclair
According to the US Census, the Sinclair surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 27,243 Americans with the Sinclair last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 73.01% |
| Black | 19.94% |
| Hispanic | 3.81% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.66% |
| Native American | 0.71% |
| Two or More Races | 1.88% |
Popularity of Sinclair Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Sinclair surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Sinclair surname increased by 1,229 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Sinclair Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Sinclair ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Sinclair Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Sinclair Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Sinclair
- ✓ The Sinclair coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Sinclair families live today
- ✓ Notable Sinclair bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Sinclair
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Sinclair.
Other Unknown Surnames
Explore more surnames with Unknown roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Unknown origin as Sinclair.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sinclair
Top Surnames Starting with S
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter S, ranked by population.
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