Explore the Family Name Bitter
The meaning of Bitter
1. Dutch and German: from Dutch or German bitter ‘harsh, bitter’, hence a nickname for a sour, embittered, or severe person. 2. German: from an agent derivative of Middle High German bitten ‘to bid’, hence a nickname or occupational name for a bidder, broker, the municipal alms collector, or a suitor. Compare Bitner. 3. Jewish (Ashkenazic): occupational name from 2. Some characteristic forenames: German Gerhardt, Hans, Heinrich, Jutta, Volker.
Dictionary of American Family Names, 2nd edition, © Oxford University Press, 2022.
How common is the last name Bitter in the United States?
Based on the Decennial U.S. Census data, the surname Bitter has seen an increase in popularity over the past decade. In 2000, the surname was ranked as the 13,119th most common name. By 2010, it had risen to the 11,942nd spot, marking an increase of approximately 8.97%. During the same period, the number of individuals with the last name Bitter also increased from 2,137 to 2,618, a growth rate of 22.51%. Similarly, the proportion of this surname per 100,000 people increased by 12.66% from 0.79 to 0.89.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #13,119 | #11,942 | 8.97% |
| Count | 2,137 | 2,618 | 22.51% |
| Proportion per 100k | 0.79 | 0.89 | 12.66% |
Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Bitter
The Decennial U.S. Census data also sheds light on the ethnic identity associated with the surname Bitter. The largest group identifying with this surname is White, although their proportion decreased slightly by 1.74% from 92.79% in 2000 to 91.18% in 2010. Representation from Asian/Pacific Islander and Black communities saw significant increases at 130.30% and 91.07% respectively, albeit starting from smaller bases. Proportion of individuals identifying as Hispanic also rose by 47.62%. Conversely, those identifying as Two or more races and American Indian and Alaskan Native saw decreases in their proportions by 18.41% and 12.62% respectively.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 92.79% | 91.18% | -1.74% |
| Hispanic | 1.68% | 2.48% | 47.62% |
| Black | 1.12% | 2.14% | 91.07% |
| American Indian and Alaskan Native | 2.06% | 1.8% | -12.62% |
| Two or More Races | 2.01% | 1.64% | -18.41% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.33% | 0.76% | 130.3% |