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

Culvert, 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 Culvert surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Culvert in America

Culvert is the 148244th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Culvert surname appeared 102 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 Culvert.

The history of the last name Culvert

The surname Culvert has its origins in England, a country renowned for its rich tapestry of surnames. The name is believed to have first emerged during the late Middle Ages, a time when the adoption of surnames became more common for purposes of identification and social classification. Culvert is thought to derive from the Middle English word "culvert," which referred to a small, arched bridge or a tunnel that allowed water to pass under a road or railway. This term itself likely came from the older Norman French word "couvret" or "covrete," meaning "covered place."

Geographically, the surname Culvert was most commonly found in the southern and eastern counties of England, regions known for their numerous waterways and infrastructural developments during the medieval period. Early bearers of the name were likely individuals or families who lived near such structures or were employed in the building and maintenance of culverts.

Historical references to the surname can be found in various old records and manuscripts, including tax rolls, land deeds, and parish registers. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name appears in the Subsidy Rolls of Sussex in 1327, where a Richard Culvert is mentioned. This suggests that the surname had already become established by the early 14th century.

Another notable example is Thomas Culvert, who was recorded in the Hearth Tax returns for Essex in 1662. The Hearth Tax was a property tax based on the number of hearths or fireplaces within a dwelling, and Thomas's inclusion in these records indicates that he was likely a householder of some standing in his community.

In the realm of place names, Culvert has evolved into various forms. For example, Culvert Lane in Hampshire possibly owes its origin to the surname, suggesting that early bearers of the name may have lived in or were associated with this area.

Several individuals with the surname Culvert have made their mark in history. John Culvert (1624-1690), a notable landowner in Norfolk, is remembered for his contributions to local infrastructure, including the construction of several culverts that improved transportation and drainage in the region. Elizabeth Culvert (1735-1804), a philanthropist from Kent, is celebrated for her charitable works, particularly in the establishment of schools and almshouses.

Another prominent figure is Captain William Culvert (1750-1812), who served with distinction in the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars. His naval career is well-documented in contemporary naval records and pension lists. The legacy of George Culvert (1823-1897), an engineer and inventor, is also noteworthy. His innovative designs for railway culverts contributed significantly to the advancement of railway engineering in the 19th century.

In summary, the surname Culvert has a rich and varied history that reflects its English origins and association with water management and infrastructure. From medieval records to notable historical figures, the name has left an indelible mark on the regions and societies it has touched.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Culvert

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

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

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!