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

Rector, 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 Rector surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Rector in America

Rector is the 2661st most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Rector surname appeared 13,559 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 5 people would have the surname Rector.

We can also compare 2010 data for Rector 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 Rector

The surname Rector has its roots in the Latin word "rector," which means "ruler" or "governor." This name originated in England during the medieval period, specifically around the 12th or 13th century.

In its early years, the name Rector was often associated with individuals who held positions of authority or leadership roles within religious institutions, such as churches or monasteries. These individuals were known as "rectors," responsible for overseeing the spiritual and administrative affairs of their respective establishments.

The earliest recorded instances of the surname Rector can be found in various historical documents and records from the 13th century onwards. One notable reference is the Hundred Rolls of 1273, which listed individuals bearing this surname in counties like Oxfordshire and Cambridgeshire.

As time progressed, the name Rector gradually transitioned from its ecclesiastical roots and became more widely adopted by families and individuals outside of religious contexts. This transition likely occurred as the surname passed down through generations and spread across different regions of England.

One of the earliest known bearers of the surname Rector was William Rector, a prominent landowner and businessman who lived in the 14th century. Records indicate that he held significant estates in the county of Norfolk.

Another notable figure was Sir John Rector, a member of the English gentry who lived during the 15th century. He served as a member of Parliament and played a role in the Wars of the Roses, supporting the House of Lancaster.

In the 16th century, the name Rector gained further recognition when Henry Rector, a successful merchant and philanthropist, established a charitable foundation in the city of London. This foundation provided support for the education and welfare of underprivileged children.

During the 17th century, the Rector surname was found in various parts of England, including Essex, Gloucestershire, and Worcestershire. One prominent individual from this era was Edward Rector, a scholar and clergyman who served as the Rector of St. Peter's Church in Northampton.

As the British Empire expanded, the surname Rector also spread to other parts of the world, including the American colonies. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name in America dates back to the late 17th century, when John Rector, an English immigrant, settled in Virginia.

Throughout the centuries, the Rector surname has been associated with individuals from various walks of life, including clergymen, academics, politicians, and businessmen. While the name may have evolved from its original ecclesiastical connotations, its connection to leadership and authority has endured, reflecting the rich history and legacy of this surname.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Rector

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

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

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

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