Explore the Family Name Balster
The meaning of Balster
1. English: occupational name or nickname from Middle English balester, balister ‘crossbowman’ (Old French balestre). Compare Ballester. 2. North German and Dutch: metathesis of Baltzer. This surname is found mainly in the borderland of Münsterland (Germany) and Overijssel (Netherlands).
Dictionary of American Family Names, 2nd edition, © Oxford University Press, 2022.
How common is the last name Balster in the United States?
Based on the Decennial U.S. Census, the surname Balster experienced a slight decline in popularity between 2000 and 2010. In 2000, it held the rank of 33,169, but by 2010, it fell to 37,029: a drop of 11.64%. The number of individuals with this surname also decreased from 650 in 2000 to 603 in 2010, marking a 7.23% reduction. The proportion per 100,000 people similarly fell from 0.24 to 0.2, showing a 16.67% decrease.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #33,169 | #37,029 | -11.64% |
| Count | 650 | 603 | -7.23% |
| Proportion per 100k | 0.24 | 0.2 | -16.67% |
Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Balster
The ethnicity associated with the surname Balster also showed some changes as per the Decennial U.S. Census data. In 2010, the majority of individuals identifying as Balster were White, at 93.86%, down slightly from 95.85% in 2000. Those identifying as having two or more ethnicities increased from 1.69% in 2000 to 2.32% in 2010. There was also an increase in those identifying as Hispanic from 1.38% to 2.65%. However, Asian/Pacific Islander, Black, and American Indian and Alaskan Native ethnic identities remained static at 0%.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 95.85% | 93.86% | -2.08% |
| Hispanic | 1.38% | 2.65% | 92.03% |
| Two or More Races | 1.69% | 2.32% | 37.28% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Black | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| American Indian and Alaskan Native | 0.77% | 0% | 0% |