Niblo
A medieval surname derived from the Old Norse "nibla", meaning to nibble or bite.
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 137 Americans carry the last name Niblo. That puts it at #133,048 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 Niblo 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
#133,048
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
0.0
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
127
very rare in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 127 bearers of the surname Niblo in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 0.04 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 133048th position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Niblo, the largest self-reported group is White at 92.1%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (4.7%).
Origin
Meaning and origin of Niblo
The surname Niblo is believed to have originated in the British Isles, likely in England or Scotland, during the medieval period. It is thought to be derived from the Old English word "nibbe," which referred to a projecting peak or promontory. This suggests that the name may have initially been used to describe someone who lived near or on a prominent hill or cliff.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, which was a comprehensive survey of landowners and tenants commissioned by William the Conqueror. In this document, the name appears as "Nibbell," possibly referring to a person or a place.
During the 13th and 14th centuries, variations of the name, such as "Nibley" and "Niblett," began appearing in various historical records, including parish registers and tax rolls. These spellings may have been influenced by the presence of place names like Nibley in Gloucestershire, England, and Niblett in Somerset.
One notable figure from history bearing the Niblo surname was Sir John Niblo, a Scottish merchant and politician who lived in the late 16th century. He served as a member of the Scottish Parliament and was known for his involvement in trade and commerce.
In the 17th century, the name Niblo gained some prominence in Ireland, where it may have been adopted by English or Scottish settlers. One such individual was William Niblo, born in 1714, who was a prominent landowner and businessman in County Antrim.
Another historical figure of note was James Niblo, an American theater manager and entrepreneur born in 1790. He established the famous Niblo's Garden in New York City, which was a popular entertainment venue in the mid-19th century.
Other individuals bearing the Niblo surname include Thomas Niblo (1795-1878), an English actor and playwright, and William Niblo (1810-1878), an American architect who designed several notable buildings in New York City.
Throughout its history, the Niblo surname has remained relatively uncommon, but its origins and variations provide a glimpse into the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of the British Isles and the diverse stories of those who carried this name across generations.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Niblo
Among Census respondents with the surname Niblo, the largest self-reported group is White at 92.1%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (4.7%).
The bar chart below shows how Niblo 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 Niblo surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- White92.1%
- Hispanic or Latino4.7%
Year on year
2010 vs 2010 Census
How has the Niblo 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 | #133,048 | #133,048 | 0.0% |
| Count | 127 | 127 | 0.0% |
| Per 100K | 0.04 | 0.04 | 0.0% |
Between the 2010 and 2010 Census, the number of Niblo bearers went from 127 to 127 (+0.0% change). The surname held its position in the national ranking, going from #133,048 to #133,048.
Notable bearers
Famous people with the surname Niblo
FAQ
Niblo surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Niblo?
The surname Niblo holds position #133,048 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 Niblo surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Niblo, the largest self-reported group is White at 92.1%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (4.7%). 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.