Explore the Family Name Fossen
The meaning of Fossen
1. Norwegian: habitational name from any of numerous farmsteads throughout Norway named Fossen, from the definite form of foss ‘waterfall’ (from Old Norse fors). 2. Dutch and German: variant of Vossen and, in North America, (also) an altered form of this. Some characteristic forenames: Scandinavian Hilmer, Peer.
Dictionary of American Family Names, 2nd edition, © Oxford University Press, 2022.
How common is the last name Fossen in the United States?
Based on the Decennial U.S. Census data, the popularity of the surname Fossen has slightly decreased over a decade. In 2000, it was ranked 32,529th in terms of frequency, but by 2010, it had slipped to 33,410th, marking a change of -2.71%. However, the actual count of people with the surname increased from 666 to 683, representing a growth of 2.55%. The proportion per 100,000 also saw a decline from 0.25 to 0.23, translating to an 8% decrease.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #32,529 | #33,410 | -2.71% |
| Count | 666 | 683 | 2.55% |
| Proportion per 100k | 0.25 | 0.23 | -8% |
Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Fossen
When it comes to ethnic identity, the Decennial U.S. Census data shows interesting shifts among those bearing the Fossen surname. In 2000, a significant majority, 96.7%, identified as White, but this percentage dropped slightly to 95.02% by 2010. The Hispanic representation amongst the Fossens rose from 1.5% to 2.34%, marking a substantial increase of 56%. Similarly, individuals identifying as having Asian or Pacific Islander roots increased their share from 0.75% to 1.02%, a growth rate of 36%. Those claiming two or more ethnicities saw a minimal decrease from 0.9% to 0.88%. Data for Black and American Indian and Alaskan Native identities were either non-existent or suppressed (S) in 2000, but by 2010, there was a recorded 0.73% identifying as American Indian and Alaskan Native.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 96.7% | 95.02% | -1.74% |
| Hispanic | 1.5% | 2.34% | 56% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.75% | 1.02% | 36% |
| Two or More Races | 0.9% | 0.88% | -2.22% |
| American Indian and Alaskan Native | 0% | 0.73% | 0% |
| Black | 0% | 0% | 0% |