Explore the Family Name Balestra
The meaning of Balestra
Italian and southern French: from Italian, Occitan balestra ‘crossbow’ (from Latin ballista ‘(military) catapult’), hence a metonymic occupational name for a maker of crossbows or a soldier armed with a crossbow. Some characteristic forenames: Italian Antonio, Attilio, Carmel, Fulvio, Geno, Luigi, Nicola, Sante, Santo, Silvio, Sylvana, Valentino.
Dictionary of American Family Names, 2nd edition, © Oxford University Press, 2022.
How common is the last name Balestra in the United States?
Based on the Decennial U.S. Census, the popularity of the surname Balestra has seen a slight increase from 2000 to 2010. In 2000, it ranked 46,614 and rose to 46,219 in 2010, reflecting an upward change of approximately 0.85%. The count of people with this surname also grew by 7.21% during this decade, increasing from 430 in 2000 to 461 in 2010. However, the proportion per 100,000 people remained constant at 0.16.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #46,614 | #46,219 | 0.85% |
| Count | 430 | 461 | 7.21% |
| Proportion per 100k | 0.16 | 0.16 | 0% |
Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Balestra
Discussing ethnicity, the Decennial U.S. Census data reveal that the majority of individuals with the surname Balestra identified as White in both 2000 and 2010, although there was a minor decrease of 2.78% over the decade. Hispanic identification saw a significant rise of 73.36% from 4.88% in 2000 to 8.46% in 2010. There were no recorded changes for Asian/Pacific Islander, Two or more races, Black, or American Indian and Alaskan Native identities during this period, with all maintaining a consistent 0% representation.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 93.49% | 90.89% | -2.78% |
| Hispanic | 4.88% | 8.46% | 73.36% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Two or More Races | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Black | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| American Indian and Alaskan Native | 0% | 0% | 0% |