Peeples
Derived from the Old English word "pipe" or "pepe," referring to someone who lived near a water channel.
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 8,706 Americans carry the last name Peeples. That puts it at #4,732 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 2.54 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 39,370 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Peeples 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
8.7K
1 in 39,370
Census rank
#4,732
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
2.5
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
7.5K
rare in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 7,499 bearers of the surname Peeples in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 2.54 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 4732nd position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Peeples, the largest self-reported group is White at 59.6%. The next largest groups are Black (35.9%) and Two or More Races (1.9%).
Origin
Meaning and origin of Peeples
The surname Peeples is believed to have originated in England, with the earliest known records dating back to the 13th century. It is thought to have derived from the Old English word "pȳpel," which referred to a small stream or brook, suggesting that the name may have been given to someone who lived near a small body of water.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Subsidy Rolls of Worcestershire from 1275, where a Richard Pypelee is listed. This spelling variation, along with others such as Pippelay and Pippeley, provides insight into the evolving form of the surname over time.
In the 14th century, the name appears in the Court Rolls of the Manor of Wakefield, where a John Pyppelay is mentioned in 1348. This record is significant as it demonstrates the widespread use of the name across different regions of England during this period.
The Peeples surname also has connections to various place names across England. For instance, the village of Pippley in Northamptonshire may have influenced the surname's spelling and pronunciation in certain areas.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the Peeples surname. One such individual was William Peeples, a merchant and landowner who lived in London during the late 16th century. Another was John Peeples, a prominent artist from the 18th century, known for his exquisite landscape paintings.
In the 19th century, Sarah Peeples (1819-1903) was a respected educator and advocate for women's rights in the United States. Her contributions to the advancement of education for women were widely recognized during her lifetime.
Another noteworthy figure was Robert Peeples (1870-1942), an American businessman and entrepreneur who founded the Peeples Trading Company, which played a significant role in the import and export trade between the United States and Latin America.
Lastly, one cannot overlook the contributions of James Peeples (1922-2008), a renowned jazz pianist and composer who was celebrated for his innovative and influential style. His music left a lasting impact on the jazz scene of the 20th century.
Overall, the surname Peeples has a rich history that spans centuries and crosses geographical boundaries, with its origins deeply rooted in the English language and landscape. From its humble beginnings as a descriptor of one's proximity to a small stream, the name has evolved and been carried by individuals who have made their mark in various fields throughout the ages.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Peeples
Among Census respondents with the surname Peeples, the largest self-reported group is White at 59.6%. The next largest groups are Black (35.9%) and Two or More Races (1.9%).
The bar chart below shows how Peeples 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 Peeples surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- White59.6%
- Black or African American35.9%
- Two or more races1.9%
- Hispanic or Latino1.8%
- Asian and Pacific Islander0.4%
- American Indian and Alaska Native0.3%
Year on year
2010 vs 2010 Census
How has the Peeples 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 | #4,732 | #4,732 | 0.0% |
| Count | 7,499 | 7,499 | 0.0% |
| Per 100K | 2.54 | 2.54 | 0.0% |
Between the 2010 and 2010 Census, the number of Peeples bearers went from 7,499 to 7,499 (+0.0% change). The surname held its position in the national ranking, going from #4,732 to #4,732.
Notable bearers
Famous people with the surname Peeples
FAQ
Peeples surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Peeples?
The surname Peeples holds position #4,732 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 8,706 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 2.54 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Peeples surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Peeples, the largest self-reported group is White at 59.6%. The next largest groups are Black (35.9%) and Two or More Races (1.9%). 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.