Origin & Meaning of the Wilbur Surname
What does the last name Wilbur mean?
The surname Wilbur carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 9,527 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Wilbur ranks as the #3,719 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Wilbur come from?
The Wilbur surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European 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 Wilbur name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Wilbur trace back to European. 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 | Wilbur |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,719 |
| US Count (2010) | 9,527 |
| Per 100K People | 3.23 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Wilbur
According to the US Census, the Wilbur surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 9,527 Americans with the Wilbur last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 90.23% |
| Black | 2.63% |
| Hispanic | 2.92% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.98% |
| Native American | 1.35% |
| Two or More Races | 1.89% |
Popularity of Wilbur Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Wilbur surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Wilbur surname decreased by 195 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Wilbur Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Wilbur ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Wilbur Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Wilbur Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Wilbur
- ✓ The Wilbur coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Wilbur families live today
- ✓ Notable Wilbur 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 Wilbur
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Wilbur.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Wilbur.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wilbur
Top Surnames Starting with W
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter W, ranked by population.
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