Explore the Family Name Esses

The meaning of Esses

1. Jewish (from Syria): perhaps a nickname from a vernacular form of standard Arabic ‘uṣaṣ ‘coccyx’. 2. Jewish (eastern Ashkenazic): metronymic from the Yiddish personal name Ese, a pet form of Ester (see Esther), + Yiddish possessive -s. Some characteristic forenames: Jewish Hyman, Moshe.

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

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

Based on the Decennial U.S. Census data, the surname Esses has seen a rise in popularity in the United States. In 2000, Esses ranked 47,210 in terms of popularity but climbed to 44,500 by 2010, marking a notable increase of 5.74 percent. The count of individuals with the surname also rose from 423 in 2000 to 483 in 2010, reflecting a substantial growth of 14.18 percent. Despite this surge, the proportion of Esses per 100,000 people remained stable at 0.16.

20002010Change
Rank#47,210#44,5005.74%
Count42348314.18%
Proportion per 100k0.160.160%

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Esses

The ethnic identity associated with the surname Esses, as determined by the Decennial U.S. Census data, is predominantly White. From 2000 to 2010, the percentage of those who identify as White and bear the surname Esses increased slightly from 94.80 to 96.07 percent. During the same period, the proportion of those identifying as Hispanic also saw an upward trend, growing from 2.84 percent to 3.73 percent, a rise of 31.34 percent. Interestingly, there was a decline in the number of individuals with mixed ethnic identities, dropping from 1.42 percent in 2000 to zero in 2010. The census data showed no change for Asian/Pacific Islander, Black, or American Indian and Alaskan Native ethnicities associated with the surname Esses.

20002010Change
White94.8%96.07%1.34%
Hispanic2.84%3.73%31.34%
Asian/Pacific Islander0%0%0%
Two or More Races1.42%0%-100%
Black0%0%0%
American Indian and Alaskan Native0%0%0%