Origin & Meaning of the Spells Surname
What does the last name Spells mean?
The surname Spells carries the meaning "Surname with roots in African American heritage." It is derived from the English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 2,235 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Spells ranks as the #13,569 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Spells come from?
The Spells surname has its roots in African American heritage. Names of African American 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 Spells name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Spells trace back to 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 | Spells |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Surname with roots in African American heritage |
| Origin | African American |
| Language | English |
| US Rank (2010) | #13,569 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,235 |
| Per 100K People | 0.76 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Spells
According to the US Census, the Spells surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,235 Americans with the Spells last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 18.39% |
| Black | 75.7% |
| Hispanic | 2.42% |
| Two or More Races | 3.27% |
Popularity of Spells Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Spells surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Spells surname increased by 248 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Spells Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Spells ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Spells
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Spells.
Other African American Surnames
Explore more surnames with African American roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same African American origin as Spells.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spells
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Spells surname also look for: