Explore the Family Name Neuenschwander
The meaning of Neuenschwander
Swiss German: topographic name denoting someone farming or occupying newly cleared land, from Middle High German niuwe ‘new’ + swant ‘land cleared (of forest)’, or a habitational name for someone from a place called Neuenschwand, near Langnau, Bern canton, Switzerland. This surname is most common in Bern canton. It is also found in Germany, where it is very rare. Compare Neuschwander, Neuschwanger, Neiswander, Nicewander, Nighswander, and Niswander. History: This surname originates from Bern canton in Switzerland, from Signau district and in the villages of Niederstocken, Höfen, and Lützelflüh, which had long associations with the Mennonites. A Mennonite Peter Neuenschwander had moved with his family to Cortébert in the Jura in 1729, and his grandson Michael Neuenschwander arrived in Wayne County, OH, in 1823. As a surname of Mennonite origin the name Neuenschwander has many variants and cognates in the US (some of them originating from Germany), including Neuschwander, Neuschwanger, Neiswander, Neiswanger, Newswanger, Nicewander, Nighswander, and Niswander; some of these names are now (more) common among the Brethrens.
Dictionary of American Family Names, 2nd edition, © Oxford University Press, 2022.
How common is the last name Neuenschwander in the United States?
Based on the Decennial U.S. Census data, the surname Neuenschwander has seen a rise in popularity over time. In 2000, it was ranked at 16,502 and by 2010, it had climbed to the 15,712th spot, marking an increase of 4.79%. The total count of individuals sporting this surname also jumped from 1,603 in 2000 to 1,856 in 2010, a significant 15.78% growth. Additionally, the proportion per 100,000 people with this surname also rose from 0.59 in 2000 to 0.63 in 2010, equating to a 6.78% surge.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #16,502 | #15,712 | 4.79% |
| Count | 1,603 | 1,856 | 15.78% |
| Proportion per 100k | 0.59 | 0.63 | 6.78% |
Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Neuenschwander
The Decennial U.S. Census data reveals some interesting trends about the ethnic identity associated with the surname Neuenschwander. In 2000, the largest segment belonged to the white ethnicity, accounting for 97.63% of the bearers of this surname, but it slightly decreased to 96.93% in 2010. Meanwhile, those identifying as Hispanic doubled from 0.75% in 2000 to 1.51% in 2010. The Asian/Pacific Islander group saw a substantial growth of 90.32%, jumping from 0.31% in 2000 to 0.59% in 2010. However, the percentage of individuals with this surname identifying as two or more races fell by 27.68%. There were no changes in the Black and American Indian and Alaskan Native communities, which remained constant at 0% from 2000 to 2010.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 97.63% | 96.93% | -0.72% |
| Hispanic | 0.75% | 1.51% | 101.33% |
| Two or More Races | 1.12% | 0.81% | -27.68% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.31% | 0.59% | 90.32% |
| Black | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| American Indian and Alaskan Native | 0% | 0% | 0% |