Butkus
A Lithuanian surname derived from the word "butkus", meaning barn or shed.
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 1,337 Americans carry the last name Butkus. That puts it at #22,281 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 0.39 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 256,361 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Butkus surname. You will find the Census Bureau frequency data, an ancestry and ethnicity breakdown based on self-reported demographics, the name's meaning and origin where available, and answers to the most common questions people ask about this surname.
Bearers in the US
1.3K
1 in 256,361
Census rank
#22,281
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
0.4
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
1.2K
rare in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 1,157 bearers of the surname Butkus in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 0.39 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 22281st position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Butkus, the largest self-reported group is White at 96.6%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (2.2%) and Asian/Pacific Islander (0.5%).
Origin
Meaning and origin of Butkus
The surname Butkus originates from Lithuania, and it has its roots in the Lithuanian language. The name is derived from the Lithuanian word "butas," which means "house" or "dwelling." It is believed that the name Butkus was initially given to individuals who lived in a particular type of house or to those who were associated with the construction or maintenance of houses.
In the early centuries, surnames were often descriptive, reflecting a person's occupation, physical characteristics, or place of residence. The suffix "-us" is a common ending for Lithuanian surnames, indicating a patronymic or a possessive form. Therefore, Butkus can be translated as "one belonging to the house" or "one associated with the house."
The earliest recorded instances of the surname Butkus can be found in historical documents dating back to the 16th century in Lithuania. One of the earliest known references to the name is in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania's tax records from the late 16th century, where several individuals with the surname Butkus were listed as taxpayers.
During the Renaissance period, the name Butkus appeared in various Lithuanian manuscripts and chronicles. For example, in the 17th century, a Lithuanian scholar named Jonas Butkus authored a book on Lithuanian grammar and linguistics, contributing to the preservation of the Lithuanian language and culture.
One of the earliest notable individuals with the surname Butkus was Antanas Butkus (1593-1644), a Lithuanian nobleman and military commander who served in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth army. He participated in several wars against Sweden and Russia, earning recognition for his bravery and leadership.
Another prominent figure with the surname Butkus was Motiejus Butkus (1801-1868), a Lithuanian writer, poet, and educator. He played a significant role in the Lithuanian National Revival movement, promoting Lithuanian literature and education. His works, such as "Žemaičių Raštas" (The Writings of Samogitians), are considered important contributions to Lithuanian culture.
In the 20th century, one of the most famous individuals with the surname Butkus was Dick Butkus (born 1942), an American professional football player. He was a legendary linebacker for the Chicago Bears and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979. His fierce playing style and defensive dominance earned him the nickname "The Monster of the Midway."
Lastly, Darius Butkus (born 1967) is a Lithuanian chess grandmaster and former world junior chess champion. He has represented Lithuania in numerous international chess competitions and has made significant contributions to the development of chess in his home country.
These are just a few examples of individuals with the surname Butkus who have left their mark in various fields throughout history, from military service and literature to sports and chess.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Butkus
Among Census respondents with the surname Butkus, the largest self-reported group is White at 96.6%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (2.2%) and Asian/Pacific Islander (0.5%).
The bar chart below shows how Butkus bearers described their own race and ethnicity on the 2010 Census form. The Census Bureau groups responses into six broad categories: White, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Two or More Races. When a category has too few respondents for a given surname, the Bureau suppresses the figure to protect individual privacy, which is why some names show fewer than six slices.
Keep in mind that these are self-reported numbers. A person's surname does not determine their race or ethnicity, and the distribution you see here reflects the specific population who happened to carry the Butkus surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- White96.6%
- Hispanic or Latino2.2%
- Asian and Pacific Islander0.5%
- Two or more races0.5%
- Unknown or suppressed0.2%
Year on year
2000 vs 2010 Census
How has the Butkus surname changed between Census years? The chart shows bearer count side by side, and the table compares rank, count, and frequency.
Census year comparison
| Metric | 2000 | 2010 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #20,727 | #22,281 | -7.5% |
| Count | 1,186 | 1,157 | -2.4% |
| Per 100K | 0.44 | 0.39 | -11.4% |
Between the 2000 and 2010 Census, the number of Butkus bearers went from 1,186 to 1,157 (-2.4% change). The surname moved down 1,554 positions in the national ranking, going from #20,727 to #22,281.
Notable bearers
Famous people with the surname Butkus
FAQ
Butkus surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Butkus?
The surname Butkus holds position #22,281 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 1,337 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 0.39 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Butkus surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Butkus, the largest self-reported group is White at 96.6%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (2.2%) and Asian/Pacific Islander (0.5%). These figures come from the 2010 Census Bureau surname tables, based on how respondents described their own race and ethnicity.
Where does this surname data come from?
All surname statistics on Name Census are drawn from the US Census Bureau's decennial surname frequency tables. These tables list every surname that appeared 100 or more times in the 2010 Census, along with a frequency rate and self-reported demographic breakdown. You can read the full explanation on our methodology page.