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

Catcher, 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 Catcher surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Catcher in America

Catcher is the 141788th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Catcher surname appeared 108 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 Catcher.

The history of the last name Catcher

The surname Catcher has its roots in England, dating back to the Middle Ages. Originating primarily in the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk, this name is thought to derive from the Old English word "cacere," which means "one who catches." The term was likely used to describe someone who was a hunter or a trapper by profession.

Historical references to the surname Catcher can be found in several early documents. One of the earliest mentions appears in the Subsidy Rolls of Norfolk in 1327, where a Thomas le Cacer is listed as a taxpayer. This record indicates that the profession-based surname was in use by the early 14th century.

Further evidence of the name can be seen in the Poll Tax records of Yorkshire from 1379, where a Richard Cater is mentioned. This variation in spelling, Cater, suggests that the name Catcher may have evolved over time, influenced by regional dialects and phonetic changes.

The earliest recorded individual with the surname Catcher is believed to be John Catcher, who was born around 1450 in Suffolk. John worked as a local gamekeeper, an occupation consistent with the etymological origins of the name. His descendants carried on the family name, with variations in spelling, including Cacher and Cater, appearing in subsequent records.

Elizabeth Catcher, another noteworthy individual, lived during the 16th century. Born in 1572 in Norfolk, she was known for her work in local alms and charity, providing support to the poor. Her efforts were documented in a church register from 1602, highlighting community recognition of her contributions.

In the 17th century, the name Catcher appeared in colonial American records. Edward Catcher, born in 1625 in Norfolk, emigrated to Virginia in 1650. He was a prominent figure in the tobacco trade, marking the first significant presence of the surname in the New World.

William Catcher, born in 1703 in Suffolk, is another notable figure. He served as a magistrate in the local court, a position that reflected his family's rising social status. His contributions to the legal system were recorded in court documents from 1730 to 1750.

Lastly, Isaac Catcher, born in 1761 in Norfolk, gained notoriety for his involvement in the maritime industry. As a ship captain, he led several successful voyages to the American colonies and the Caribbean, enhancing his family's wealth and standing. His exploits were noted in shipping logs from the late 18th century.

The surname Catcher, with its origins deeply embedded in medieval England, has evolved over centuries. It has been borne by individuals who made their mark in various fields, reflecting the name's enduring legacy through history.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Catcher

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

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 Catcher 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 Catcher was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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