Origin & Meaning of the Turner Surname
What does the last name Turner mean?
The surname Turner carries the meaning "Occupational name for a lathe worker or turner of wood/metal." It is derived from the Old French language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 348,627 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Turner ranks as the #54 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Turner come from?
The Turner 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 Turner name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Turner trace back to Old French. 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 | Turner |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Occupational name for a lathe worker or turner of wood/metal |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old French |
| US Rank (2010) | #54 |
| US Count (2010) | 348,627 |
| Per 100K People | 118.19 |
| First Letter | T |
Ethnic Distribution of Turner
According to the US Census, the Turner surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 348,627 Americans with the Turner last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 64.25% |
| Black | 30.13% |
| Hispanic | 2.23% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.42% |
| Native American | 0.6% |
| Two or More Races | 2.38% |
Popularity of Turner Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Turner surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Turner surname increased by 12,964 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Turner
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