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.
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.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 79.81% |
| Black | 14.44% |
| Hispanic | 3.13% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.0% |
| Native American | 0.44% |
| Two or More Races | 1.19% |
Popularity of Telfer Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Telfer surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Telfer surname increased by 213 between 2000 and 2010.
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- ✓ The Telfer coat of arms & heraldry
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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
Top Surnames Starting with T
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter T, ranked by population.
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