Find out how popular the last name Panther is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Panther.

Panther, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Panther surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Panther in America

Panther is the 20434th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Panther surname appeared 1,300 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Panther.

We can also compare 2010 data for Panther to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Panther

The surname Panther has its origins in Germany, specifically in the regions of Bavaria and Swabia, where it first appeared in the late 15th century. The name is derived from the German word "Panther," which refers to the large feline predator. It is believed that the name was initially used as a descriptive nickname for someone who exhibited panther-like characteristics, such as strength, agility, or ferocity.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Panther can be found in the Bavarian town records from the late 1400s, where a certain Hans Panther was mentioned as a resident. In the 16th century, the name appears in various manuscripts and documents across southern Germany, indicating its gradual spread and adoption as a surname.

Notably, in the early 17th century, a member of the Panther family, Johann Panther (1572-1637), gained recognition as a prominent Protestant theologian and author in Nuremberg. His works on religious matters were widely circulated and contributed to the fame of the Panther name during that period.

Another remarkable figure bearing the surname Panther was Wilhelm Panther (1771-1849), a German painter and engraver who specialized in landscapes and architectural scenes. His etchings and engravings depicting the picturesque scenery of his homeland earned him critical acclaim and are still celebrated by art historians today.

In the 19th century, the Panther surname crossed the Atlantic and found its way to the United States. One notable individual with this name was Henry Panther (1833-1912), a successful businessman and politician who served as the mayor of Fort Wayne, Indiana, from 1883 to 1885.

The name Panther has also been associated with various place names, particularly in Germany, where towns and villages like Pantheraue, Pantherbach, and Panthertal bear the name or variations of it. These place names likely originated from the presence of panthers or other large felines in those areas, or perhaps from individuals with the surname Panther who lived there.

Throughout history, the surname Panther has been carried by numerous individuals, each contributing to the rich tapestry of its legacy. From theologians and artists to politicians and entrepreneurs, the name has left an indelible mark on various aspects of society, reminding us of its enduring presence and the diverse paths taken by those who bear it.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Panther

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Panther.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Panther was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Panther has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Panther was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Panther, please contact us.

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