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

Ferrin, 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 Ferrin surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Ferrin in America

Ferrin is the 10983rd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Ferrin surname appeared 2,896 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 1 people would have the surname Ferrin.

We can also compare 2010 data for Ferrin to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Ferrin

The surname Ferrin has its origins in France, with roots dating back to the 12th century. It is believed to be derived from the Old French word "ferrier," which referred to a blacksmith or iron worker. This connection to the metalworking trade suggests that early bearers of this name may have been skilled artisans or tradesmen.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Ferrin can be found in the Livre des Métiers, a medieval text from Paris that documented various professions and trades. In this text, the name "Ferrin" is mentioned in relation to a blacksmith's guild, further reinforcing the occupational origins of the surname.

As the Ferrin family spread throughout France, regional variations in spelling emerged, including Ferren, Feren, and Ferrand. These variations can be traced back to different regions and dialects within the country.

In the 14th century, records show a notable individual named Jean Ferrin, a prominent blacksmith in the town of Rouen. His work on the intricate ironwork of local churches and buildings earned him a reputation as a skilled craftsman.

The name Ferrin also found its way into historical documents beyond France. In the late 15th century, a merchant named Pierre Ferrin is mentioned in the records of the Hanseatic League, a powerful trade organization in northern Europe. His business dealings suggest that the name had spread to other parts of the continent by this time.

In the 16th century, a renowned French explorer and navigator named Jacques Ferrin embarked on several voyages to the Americas, contributing to the expansion of French colonial interests in the New World. His exploits and discoveries are documented in various maritime logs and journals from that era.

Another notable figure was Marguerite Ferrin, a 17th-century French poet and author. Her works, which often explored themes of love and nature, were widely celebrated during her lifetime and have been preserved in various literary anthologies.

In the 18th century, a prominent French architect named François Ferrin left a lasting legacy with his design of several notable buildings in Paris, including the Palais-Royal and the Théâtre de l'Odéon. His innovative use of stone and iron in construction techniques was highly influential in the architectural community of the time.

As the name Ferrin spread beyond its French origins, it also took root in other parts of Europe and eventually in the Americas. While the specific details of its journey may vary, the surname's connection to the metalworking trade and its rich historical legacy remain a testament to its enduring significance.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Ferrin

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

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 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Ferrin 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.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Ferrin has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

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

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

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