Origin & Meaning of the Wright Surname
What does the last name Wright mean?
The surname Wright carries the meaning "Occupational name for a craftsman or builder." 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 458,980 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Wright ranks as the #35 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Wright come from?
The Wright 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 Wright name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Wright 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 | Wright |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Occupational name for a craftsman or builder |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #35 |
| US Count (2010) | 458,980 |
| Per 100K People | 155.6 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Wright
According to the US Census, the Wright surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 458,980 Americans with the Wright last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 65.8% |
| Black | 28.23% |
| Hispanic | 2.36% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.51% |
| Native American | 0.69% |
| Two or More Races | 2.41% |
Popularity of Wright Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Wright surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Wright surname increased by 18,613 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Wright
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