Explore the Family Name Flax
The meaning of Flax
1. English: from Middle English flax, flex ‘flax’, a metonymic occupational name for someone who grew, sold, or treated flax for weaving into linen cloth, or for someone with hair the color of dressed flax. Compare Flaxman. 2. German: metonymic occupational name for a flax grower or dealer, from Middle High German vlahs ‘flax’; alternatively, a nickname for someone with flax-colored hair or beard. 3. Jewish (Ashkenazic): from German Flachs ‘flax’, acquired as an occupational name for a flax grower or dealer (as 1 above), or as an artificial name. Some characteristic forenames: Jewish Hyman, Elihu, Emanuel, Herschel, Herzl, Shira.
Dictionary of American Family Names, 2nd edition, © Oxford University Press, 2022.
How common is the last name Flax in the United States?
According to the Decennial U.S. Census data, the surname 'Flax' has seen an increase in popularity between 2000 and 2010. In 2000, it was ranked as the 16,471st most popular surname, but by 2010 it had climbed to the 15,015th position, marking an increase of 8.84%. The count of individuals with this surname also rose significantly during this time period, from 1,607 in 2000 to 1,967 in 2010, representing a 22.4% growth. The proportion of people named Flax per 100,000 also saw an increase of 11.67% from 0.6 to 0.67.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #16,471 | #15,015 | 8.84% |
| Count | 1,607 | 1,967 | 22.4% |
| Proportion per 100k | 0.6 | 0.67 | 11.67% |
Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Flax
Data from the Decennial U.S. Census on the ethnic identity associated with the surname 'Flax' reveal a few changes from 2000 to 2010. While the percentage of people with this surname identifying as White decreased slightly from 76.48% to 73.92%, there was a notable increase among those identifying as Hispanic, from 1.80% to 3.20%. The representation of Black individuals within this surname group also experienced a small increase, rising from 20.29% to 21.00%. Meanwhile, those reporting two or more ethnicities increased from 0.93% to 1.27%. There were no individuals identified as Asian/Pacific Islander or American Indian and Alaskan Native in either census year.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 76.48% | 73.92% | -3.35% |
| Black | 20.29% | 21% | 3.5% |
| Hispanic | 1.8% | 3.2% | 77.78% |
| Two or More Races | 0.93% | 1.27% | 36.56% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| American Indian and Alaskan Native | 0% | 0% | 0% |