Totter
A surname derived from an occupational term for a linen weaver or dealer.
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 206 Americans carry the last name Totter. That puts it at #103,655 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 0.06 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 1,663,856 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Totter 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
206
1 in 1,663,856
Census rank
#103,655
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
0.1
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
173
very rare in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 173 bearers of the surname Totter in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 0.06 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 103655th position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Totter, the largest self-reported group is White at 87.9%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (9.8%).
Origin
Meaning and origin of Totter
The surname Totter has its origins in England, dating back to the late 16th century. It is believed to have derived from the Middle English word "toter," which meant "to totter" or "to move unsteadily." This surname was likely given as a descriptive name to individuals who walked or moved in an unsteady or tottering manner.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Totter can be found in the parish records of Oxfordshire, England, in the late 1500s. The name is also mentioned in various historical documents from the 17th and 18th centuries, such as legal records, tax rolls, and parish registers.
In the early 17th century, a notable figure with the surname Totter was John Totter, a merchant and landowner from Gloucestershire, England. He was born around 1590 and was known for his involvement in local affairs and his philanthropic endeavors.
Another significant individual bearing the Totter surname was William Totter, a renowned clockmaker from London, who lived from 1675 to 1742. His clocks were highly prized for their craftsmanship and accuracy, and some of his works can still be found in museums and private collections.
During the 18th century, the Totter family had a strong presence in the county of Wiltshire, England. One notable member was Thomas Totter, a prominent farmer and landowner who lived from 1720 to 1795. He was known for his innovative agricultural practices and his contributions to the local community.
In the 19th century, the Totter surname gained prominence in the literary world with the English author and poet, Emily Totter. Born in 1825, she was highly regarded for her poetic works and her contributions to the Romantic movement in literature. Her most famous work, "Echoes of the Heart," was published in 1860 and received critical acclaim.
Another notable individual with the Totter surname was Sir Henry Totter, a British military officer who served during the Crimean War in the mid-19th century. He was born in 1820 and gained recognition for his bravery and leadership on the battlefield, ultimately rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before his retirement in 1875.
While the surname Totter may not be as widespread as some other English surnames, it has a rich history and has been carried by individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields throughout the centuries.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Totter
Among Census respondents with the surname Totter, the largest self-reported group is White at 87.9%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (9.8%).
The bar chart below shows how Totter 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 Totter surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- White87.9%
- Hispanic or Latino9.8%
Year on year
2010 vs 2010 Census
How has the Totter 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 | #103,655 | #103,655 | 0.0% |
| Count | 173 | 173 | 0.0% |
| Per 100K | 0.06 | 0.06 | 0.0% |
Between the 2010 and 2010 Census, the number of Totter bearers went from 173 to 173 (+0.0% change). The surname held its position in the national ranking, going from #103,655 to #103,655.
Notable bearers
Famous people with the surname Totter
FAQ
Totter surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Totter?
The surname Totter holds position #103,655 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 206 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 0.06 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Totter surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Totter, the largest self-reported group is White at 87.9%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (9.8%). 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.