Explore the Family Name Decoteau

The meaning of Decoteau

Altered form of French Canadian Descoteaux. This surname is common among Native Americans in ND, namely the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. It is also found among African Americans. Compare Decato. Some characteristic forenames: French Raoul, Armand, Vernice.

Dictionary of American Family Names, 2nd edition, © Oxford University Press, 2022.

How common is the last name Decoteau in the United States?

Based on the Decennial U.S. Census, the surname Decoteau has seen an increase in popularity from 2000 to 2010. In 2000, it ranked 14,422 in terms of commonality and rose to 13,786 in 2010, marking a 4.41% improvement. In terms of the count, there were 1,899 people with this surname in 2000 and by 2010, the number had risen to 2,194, reflecting a 15.53% growth. The proportion of people with the Decoteau surname per 100,000 also saw a slight increase over the decade, going up by 5.71% from 0.7 to 0.74.

20002010Change
Rank#14,422#13,7864.41%
Count1,8992,19415.53%
Proportion per 100k0.70.745.71%

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Decoteau

In relation to ethnicity, the Decennial U.S. Census data reveals some shifts between 2000 and 2010. There have been increases in the Asian/Pacific Islander population (from 0.37 to 0.46), those identifying as two or more races (from 2.90 to 4.28), Hispanic (from 2.37 to 2.83), and Black populations (from 12.64 to 14.72). Conversely, the percentage of White and American Indian and Alaskan Native populations bearing the Decoteau surname saw decreases during this period. The White population dropped from 42.86 to 39.56, while the American Indian and Alaskan Native population descend from 38.86 to 38.15. This change suggests an increasing diversity among individuals carrying the Decoteau surname.

20002010Change
White42.86%39.56%-7.7%
American Indian and Alaskan Native38.86%38.15%-1.83%
Black12.64%14.72%16.46%
Two or More Races2.9%4.28%47.59%
Hispanic2.37%2.83%19.41%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.37%0.46%24.32%