Explore the Family Name Forge
The meaning of Forge
1. English and French: from Middle English and Old French forge ‘forge, smithy’ (from Latin fabrica ‘workshop’, a derivative of faber ‘smith, workman’; compare Lefevre), in most cases a metonymic occupational name for a smith or someone employed by a smith. It can also be a topographic name for someone who lived near a forge or smithy. Compare French Deforge and Laforge. 2. North German: variant of Forke. Some characteristic forenames: German Kurt, Franz.
Dictionary of American Family Names, 2nd edition, © Oxford University Press, 2022.
How common is the last name Forge in the United States?
Based on the Decennial U.S. Census, the popularity of the surname "Forge" has seen a slight decline between 2000 and 2010. In 2000, it was ranked 36,716 in popularity, but by 2010, it had fallen to 39,052, marking a change of -6.36%. The count of individuals with this surname also decreased slightly from 574 in 2000 to 564 in 2010, a reduction of -1.74%. The proportion of individuals named Forge per 100,000 also fell by -9.52%.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #36,716 | #39,052 | -6.36% |
| Count | 574 | 564 | -1.74% |
| Proportion per 100k | 0.21 | 0.19 | -9.52% |
Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Forge
Looking at the ethnic identity associated with the surname "Forge", the Decennial U.S. Census data reveals some shifts between 2000 and 2010. There were no recorded instances of this surname among the Asian/Pacific Islander or American Indian and Alaskan Native communities during either census year. Those identifying as "Two or more races" saw a decrease of -6.70%, and those identifying as White saw a decrease of -5.59%. The Hispanic representation also dropped by -23.74%. However, there was an increase in the Black community, with a change of 10.57%, making them the most prevalent ethnic group associated with this surname in 2010.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 60.1% | 56.74% | -5.59% |
| Black | 36.24% | 40.07% | 10.57% |
| Two or More Races | 2.09% | 1.95% | -6.7% |
| Hispanic | 1.39% | 1.06% | -23.74% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| American Indian and Alaskan Native | 0% | 0% | 0% |