Telfer — Last Name Origin & Meaning

English origin Rank #17,572 in the US 1,600 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#17,572
▲ Up 825 since 2000
People in the US
1,600
0.54 per 100K people
Origin
English
Old English

Origin & Meaning of the Telfer Surname

What does the last name Telfer mean?

The surname Telfer 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 1,600 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Telfer ranks as the #17,572 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Telfer come from?

The Telfer 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 Telfer name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Telfer 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.

English Old English

Quick Facts

Surname Telfer
Meaning One who does
Origin English
Language Old English
US Rank (2010) #17,572
US Count (2010) 1,600
Per 100K People 0.54
First Letter T

Ethnic Distribution of Telfer

According to the US Census, the Telfer surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,600 Americans with the Telfer last name.

White 79.81%
Black 14.44%
Hispanic 3.13%
Asian/PI 1.0%
Native American 0.44%
Two+ Races 1.19%
Ethnic distribution of the Telfer surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White79.81%
Black14.44%
Hispanic3.13%
Asian/Pacific Islander1.0%
Native American0.44%
Two or More Races1.19%

Popularity of Telfer Over Time

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

Census 2000
#18,397
1,387 people
Up 825
Census 2010
#17,572
1,600 people

The number of Americans with the Telfer surname increased by 213 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Telfer Ancestry

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

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Similar Surnames to Telfer

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

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 Telfer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Telfer

The surname Telfer is of English origin. One who does
The surname Telfer is ranked #17,572 in the United States with approximately 1,600 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
One who does. The name has English roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Telfer surname is distributed as: 79.8% White, 14.4% Black. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Telfer 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.

People searching for information about the Telfer surname also look for:

Share this page:

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn