Find out how popular the last name Acer is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Acer.

Acer, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Acer surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Acer in America

Acer is the 149328th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Acer surname appeared 101 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Acer.

The history of the last name Acer

The surname Acer is relatively rare and its history can be traced back to several European regions. The name is believed to have its origins in Italy, particularly in the regions of Northern Italy, possibly around the Lombardy or Veneto areas. It first appeared in the late medieval period, likely around the 13th or 14th centuries.

The name Acer is thought to be derived from the Latin word "acer," which means "sharp" or "keen." This could have referred to a person's keen mind, sharp features, or perhaps a trade involving sharp tools. Similar spellings and variations include "Acero" in Italian, meaning maple tree, although this botanical link seems less likely.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the surname Acer appears in a 14th-century Venetian manuscript, referencing a Giovanni Acer who was noted for his involvement in local trade. Records from Florence in the 15th century also mention a Pietro Acer, a prominent merchant known for his sharp negotiating skills.

In the 16th century, Giulio Acer, born in 1523 and died in 1589, was a well-known scholar from Milan who contributed significantly to the field of natural sciences. His works were instrumental during the Renaissance period and brought some recognition to the Acer surname in academic circles.

By the 17th century, the name had also made its way to other parts of Europe. A notable figure during this time was Johann Acerius, a German philosopher and theologian born in 1630 and died in 1697. His writings on religious tolerance were influential in the Protestant communities of Northern Europe.

Another historical figure with the surname was Hugo Acer, an English knight during the late 1500s. Born around 1560, he served under Queen Elizabeth I and was noted for his valor in the Anglo-Spanish War. The name Acer appears in several military records of the time, highlighting its association with individuals in positions of strength and strategy.

The surname Acer also appears in early American history. Richard Acer, born in 1672, was an early settler in New England. He was a farmer and toolmaker, and his family maintained a notable presence in the area through the early 18th century.

Overall, the surname Acer has appeared in various forms and contexts throughout history, often associated with individuals of notable intellect, trade skills, and valor. The name's origin in Italy and its spread across Europe and into America reflect a diverse and rich historical background.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Acer

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Acer.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Acer was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Acer was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Acer, please contact us.

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