Midler
A German surname meaning "middler" or "one in the middle."
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 171 Americans carry the last name Midler. That puts it at #128,249 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 0.05 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 2,004,411 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Midler 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
171
1 in 2,004,411
Census rank
#128,249
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
0.1
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
133
very rare in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 133 bearers of the surname Midler in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 0.05 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 128249th position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Midler, the largest self-reported group is White at 96.2%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (3.8%).
Origin
Meaning and origin of Midler
The surname Midler is believed to have originated in Germany, specifically in the region of Bavaria, during the late medieval period. It is derived from the German word "Mittler," which means "mediator" or "go-between." This suggests that the name may have been initially associated with individuals who served as intermediaries or negotiators.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Midler can be found in the town records of Augsburg, Bavaria, dating back to the 15th century. These records mention a merchant named Hans Midler, who was involved in trade between the city and neighboring regions.
In the 16th century, the name Midler appeared in various documents across southern Germany, including church registers and legal contracts. Notably, a family by the name of Midler was documented in the town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, where they were known as respected craftsmen and tradesmen.
The Midler name has also been associated with several notable individuals throughout history. Johann Michael Midler, born in 1683 in Nuremberg, was a renowned clockmaker whose intricate timepieces were highly sought after by wealthy patrons across Europe.
Another prominent figure bearing the Midler name was Elise Midler, born in 1818 in Munich. She was a pioneering educator and advocate for women's rights, establishing one of the first schools for girls in Bavaria at a time when female education was still largely neglected.
In the 19th century, the name Midler appeared in various European emigration records, indicating that families bearing this surname had begun to seek new opportunities abroad. One such family was that of Heinrich Midler, who left Germany in the 1860s and settled in the United States, where he became a successful farmer in the Midwest.
Additionally, the Midler name has been associated with several notable figures in the arts and entertainment industry. Bette Midler, born in 1945 in Honolulu, Hawaii, is a renowned American singer, actress, and comedian who has won numerous awards and accolades throughout her illustrious career.
While the Midler surname may have originated in a specific region of Germany, it has since spread across the globe, with individuals bearing this name making significant contributions in various fields throughout history.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Midler
Among Census respondents with the surname Midler, the largest self-reported group is White at 96.2%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (3.8%).
The bar chart below shows how Midler 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 Midler surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- White96.2%
- Hispanic or Latino3.8%
Year on year
2010 vs 2010 Census
How has the Midler 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 | #128,249 | #128,249 | 0.0% |
| Count | 133 | 133 | 0.0% |
| Per 100K | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.0% |
Between the 2010 and 2010 Census, the number of Midler bearers went from 133 to 133 (+0.0% change). The surname held its position in the national ranking, going from #128,249 to #128,249.
Notable bearers
Famous people with the surname Midler
FAQ
Midler surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Midler?
The surname Midler holds position #128,249 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 171 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 0.05 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Midler surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Midler, the largest self-reported group is White at 96.2%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (3.8%). 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.