Giant
A surname referring to someone of great stature or size.
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 137 Americans carry the last name Giant. That puts it at #139,228 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 0.04 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 2,501,856 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Giant 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
137
1 in 2,501,856
Census rank
#139,228
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
0.0
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
120
very rare in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 120 bearers of the surname Giant in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 0.04 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 139228th position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Giant, the largest self-reported group is White at 78.3%. The next largest groups are Black (15.0%).
Origin
Meaning and origin of Giant
The surname Giant is of English origin, derived from the Old French word "geant," which in turn comes from the Latin word "gigas," meaning a giant or someone of great size. This surname likely emerged in England during the Middle Ages, around the 12th or 13th century.
The earliest recorded instances of the surname Giant can be traced back to the 13th century, with references found in various medieval records and documents. One notable example is the Hundred Rolls of 1273, which mentions a John le Geaunt from Lincolnshire.
In the 14th century, the surname Giant appeared in the Subsidy Rolls of 1334, which listed a Robert le Geant from the county of Yorkshire. This record suggests that the name may have been associated with certain regions or areas within England during that time period.
The surname Giant is also found in the Poll Tax Returns of 1379, which recorded individuals for taxation purposes. This document includes entries for a William le Geaunt from Cambridgeshire and a John le Geant from Oxfordshire.
Over the centuries, the surname Giant has undergone various spellings and variations, including Geyant, Geaunt, and Jiant. These variations likely stemmed from regional dialects and differences in pronunciation.
Notable historical figures with the surname Giant include:
1. Sir John Giant (c. 1495 - 1564), an English courtier and Member of Parliament during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.
2. William Giant (1628 - 1679), an English clergyman and author who wrote several religious texts.
3. Edward Giant (1705 - 1772), a British naval officer who served in the Royal Navy during the 18th century.
4. Thomas Giant (1777 - 1849), an English poet and writer known for his works on rural life and nature.
5. Mary Giant (1826 - 1901), a British philanthropist and social reformer who advocated for education and women's rights.
While the surname Giant has its roots in England, it has since spread to other parts of the world through migration and cultural exchange. However, its origins can be traced back to the medieval period, when it was likely associated with someone of great stature or size.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Giant
Among Census respondents with the surname Giant, the largest self-reported group is White at 78.3%. The next largest groups are Black (15.0%).
The bar chart below shows how Giant 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 Giant surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- White78.3%
- Black or African American15.0%
Year on year
2010 vs 2010 Census
How has the Giant 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 | 2010 | 2010 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #139,228 | #139,228 | 0.0% |
| Count | 120 | 120 | 0.0% |
| Per 100K | 0.04 | 0.04 | 0.0% |
Between the 2010 and 2010 Census, the number of Giant bearers went from 120 to 120 (+0.0% change). The surname held its position in the national ranking, going from #139,228 to #139,228.
Notable bearers
Famous people with the surname Giant
FAQ
Giant surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Giant?
The surname Giant holds position #139,228 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 137 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 0.04 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Giant surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Giant, the largest self-reported group is White at 78.3%. The next largest groups are Black (15.0%). 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.