Lord
A hereditary title of nobility, potentially derived from the Old English word "hlaford" meaning "keeper of bread."
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 27,180 Americans carry the last name Lord. That puts it at #1,535 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 7.93 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 12,611 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Lord 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
27K
1 in 12,611
Census rank
#1,535
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
7.9
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
23K
uncommon in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 23,405 bearers of the surname Lord in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 7.93 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 1535th position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Lord, the largest self-reported group is White at 88.2%. The next largest groups are Black (5.4%) and Hispanic (3.1%).
Origin
Meaning and origin of Lord
The surname Lord originated in England during the medieval period, deriving from the Old English word "hlaford," which meant "master" or "ruler." This term was used to refer to those in positions of authority, such as feudal lords or landowners.
In the early days of surname adoption, Lord was often used as a descriptive name for individuals who held a position of power or owned significant property. It was not necessarily a hereditary title but rather a reflection of the person's status or occupation.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Lord can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of landowners and estates commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. Several individuals with the surname Lord are mentioned in this historical document, indicating the name's presence in various parts of England.
During the medieval period, the spelling of the name varied, with variations such as Lorde, Loord, and Lourde being common. These variations were likely influenced by local dialects and the inconsistent spelling practices of the time.
One notable figure bearing the surname Lord was Sir Thomas Lord (1558-1624), a successful merchant and landowner in England. He is best known for founding the famous Lord's Cricket Ground in London, which has become a iconic venue for cricket matches.
Another prominent individual with the surname Lord was Benjamin Lord (1693-1784), an American printer and publisher who played a significant role in the early days of the American Revolution. He published several influential pamphlets and newspapers that supported the patriot cause.
In the literary world, Gabrielle Lord (born 1946) is a renowned Australian author known for her crime fiction and children's books. Her works have gained critical acclaim and have been translated into numerous languages.
Thomas Lord (1755-1832), an English cricketer and businessman, was instrumental in establishing the modern form of the sport. He founded the Lord's Cricket Ground in London, which became a renowned venue for cricket matches and continues to host major international events.
Lastly, Walter Lord (1917-2002) was an American author and historian best known for his non-fiction works related to World War II, including "A Night to Remember," a bestselling account of the sinking of the RMS Titanic.
These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have carried the surname Lord, reflecting its long-standing presence and the diverse backgrounds of those who bear this name.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Lord
Among Census respondents with the surname Lord, the largest self-reported group is White at 88.2%. The next largest groups are Black (5.4%) and Hispanic (3.1%).
The bar chart below shows how Lord 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 Lord surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- White88.2%
- Black or African American5.4%
- Hispanic or Latino3.1%
- Two or more races1.9%
- Asian and Pacific Islander0.9%
- American Indian and Alaska Native0.6%
Year on year
2000 vs 2010 Census
How has the Lord 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 | 2000 | 2010 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1,399 | #1,535 | -9.7% |
| Count | 23,221 | 23,405 | 0.8% |
| Per 100K | 8.61 | 7.93 | -7.9% |
Between the 2000 and 2010 Census, the number of Lord bearers went from 23,221 to 23,405 (+0.8% change). The surname moved down 136 positions in the national ranking, going from #1,399 to #1,535.
Notable bearers
Famous people with the surname Lord
FAQ
Lord surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Lord?
The surname Lord holds position #1,535 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 27,180 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 7.93 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Lord surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Lord, the largest self-reported group is White at 88.2%. The next largest groups are Black (5.4%) and Hispanic (3.1%). 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.