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

Sojourner, 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 Sojourner surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Sojourner in America

Sojourner is the 53913th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Sojourner surname appeared 383 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 Sojourner.

We can also compare 2010 data for Sojourner 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 Sojourner

The surname Sojourner originated in medieval France, derived from the Old French word "sojorner," meaning "to sojourn" or "to stay temporarily." This name likely referred to an individual who frequently traveled or resided in different places for extended periods.

Sojourner is an occupational surname, reflecting the profession or lifestyle of the original bearer. During the Middle Ages, it was common for surnames to be assigned based on one's trade, location, or distinctive characteristic.

The earliest known record of the surname Sojourner can be traced back to the 13th century in the region of Normandy, France. It is believed to have been initially adopted by individuals who worked as temporary residents, travelers, or merchants.

One of the earliest documented instances of the name Sojourner appears in the archives of the Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Évroult, located in Normandy, dated around 1250. The record mentions a certain "Jehan Sojourner," suggesting the name was already established in the region.

In the 14th century, records from the city of Rouen, also in Normandy, mention a "Guillaume Sojourner," a merchant who frequently traveled to England for trade. This provides evidence of the name's association with those who lived a transient lifestyle.

A notable figure bearing the surname Sojourner was Jacques Sojourner (c. 1560-1638), a French Protestant theologian and scholar who fled religious persecution and sought refuge in England. His writings and teachings had a significant impact on the development of Calvinism in Europe.

Another prominent individual with the name Sojourner was Marie Sojourner (1682-1749), a French courtier and socialite known for her influential salon in Paris during the Enlightenment era. Her gatherings attracted intellectuals, writers, and artists, contributing to the exchange of ideas and cultural development.

In the 19th century, the American abolitionist and women's rights activist Sojourner Truth (c. 1797-1883), born Isabella Baumfree, adopted the surname Sojourner, reflecting her spiritual journey and commitment to spreading the truth. Her powerful speeches and advocacy for the abolition of slavery and women's rights have left an indelible mark on history.

While the surname Sojourner is relatively uncommon, it has been carried by individuals from various backgrounds and professions throughout history, reflecting the diverse experiences and lifestyles of its bearers.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Sojourner

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

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

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

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