Lennear
A surname with possible origins as a locational name referring to a geographic area or settlement.
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 137 Americans carry the last name Lennear. That puts it at #156,044 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 Lennear 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
#156,044
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
0.0
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
104
very rare in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 104 bearers of the surname Lennear in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 0.04 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 156044th position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Lennear, the largest self-reported group is Black at 90.4%.
Origin
Meaning and origin of Lennear
The surname LENNEAR is believed to have originated in England during the medieval period. It is thought to be a variant of the place name Lennard, which is derived from the Old English words "lēan" meaning "lean" or "thin" and "ard" meaning "high ground" or "ridge." This suggests that the name may have referred to someone who lived near a thin or lean ridge.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name LENNEAR can be found in the Pipe Rolls of Sussex from the 13th century, where it appears as "Lenard." This indicates that the name was already in use by this time and may have been associated with a particular location or landholding.
During the 14th century, the name LENNEAR appears in various historical records, including the Court Rolls of the Manor of Wakefield in Yorkshire, where it is spelled "Lenard" and "Lenarde." This suggests that the name had spread to different regions of England and may have been subject to slight variations in spelling.
In the 15th century, the name LENNEAR appears in the Feet of Fines for Essex, where it is recorded as "Lenard" and "Lener." This record provides evidence of land transactions involving individuals with this surname, further solidifying its presence in England.
One notable figure with the surname LENNEAR was John Lennear (c. 1550-1621), a merchant and alderman of London in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. He was a prominent member of the Worshipful Company of Mercers and served as a Sheriff of London in 1610.
Another individual of historical significance was Thomas Lennear (c. 1630-1692), an English clergyman who served as the Archdeacon of Northampton in the late 17th century. He was known for his scholarly works on theology and church history.
In the 18th century, the name LENNEAR appears in various parish records and genealogical sources, including the baptismal records of St. Mary's Church in Nottingham, where the name is spelled "Lenner" in 1745.
One notable figure from this period was William Lennear (1725-1801), a wealthy landowner and magistrate in Hertfordshire. He was known for his philanthropic efforts and his support of local educational institutions.
In the 19th century, the name LENNEAR continued to be present in various records, including the census returns for Warwickshire in 1841, where it appears as "Lenner" and "Lennear."
One prominent individual from this time was Elizabeth Lennear (1810-1892), a British author and poet who published several works under the pen name "E.L." Her writings often explored themes of nature and spirituality.
Overall, the surname LENNEAR has a rich history spanning several centuries in England, with evidence of its presence in various regions and records. While the exact origin and meaning may be subject to interpretation, it remains a significant part of the country's onomastic heritage.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Lennear
Among Census respondents with the surname Lennear, the largest self-reported group is Black at 90.4%.
The bar chart below shows how Lennear 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 Lennear surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- Black or African American90.4%
- Unknown or suppressed9.6%
FAQ
Lennear surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Lennear?
The surname Lennear holds position #156,044 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 Lennear surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Lennear, the largest self-reported group is Black at 90.4%. 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.