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

Proffit, 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 Proffit surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Proffit in America

Proffit is the 22375th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Proffit surname appeared 1,151 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 Proffit.

We can also compare 2010 data for Proffit 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 Proffit

The surname Proffit has its origins in England, dating back to the late 13th century. It is believed to be derived from the Old French word "proffiter," meaning "to benefit" or "to profit." This suggests that the name may have been given to someone who was a successful merchant or businessman.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Subsidy Rolls of Sussex from 1296, where a John Proffit is mentioned. The name also appears in the Pipe Rolls of Suffolk from 1327, indicating its presence in various regions of England during the medieval period.

In the 14th century, the name Proffit was often spelled as "Proffyt" or "Profyte," reflecting the variations in spelling common during that time. The surname is thought to have originated in the county of Sussex, where it was particularly prevalent in the villages of Hastings and Rye.

One notable historical figure bearing the surname Proffit was Sir William Proffit (1520-1588), a prominent merchant and member of the Worshipful Company of Drapers in London. He played a significant role in the textile trade and was known for his philanthropic endeavors.

Another individual of note was Thomas Proffit (1671-1742), a renowned clockmaker from Lincolnshire. His intricate timepieces were highly sought after by the English gentry and aristocracy, and some of his works can still be found in various museums and private collections.

In the 18th century, the Proffit family established themselves as landowners and farmers in the county of Somerset. Notable members of this branch include John Proffit (1734-1812), a successful wool merchant, and his son, Richard Proffit (1768-1842), who was a respected magistrate and Justice of the Peace.

During the 19th century, several individuals bearing the Proffit surname made their mark in various fields. One such figure was Elizabeth Proffit (1815-1892), a pioneering educator who founded one of the first schools for girls in Manchester.

Another notable Proffit was William Proffit (1845-1918), a renowned architect who designed several landmark buildings in London, including the prestigious Proffit Hall, which still stands today.

While the Proffit surname is not as common today as it once was, its origins can be traced back to the medieval period in England, where it was associated with individuals who were successful in business and trade. The name has left its mark on various aspects of English history, from commerce and craftsmanship to education and architecture.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Proffit

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

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 Proffit 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 Proffit 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 Proffit was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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