Explore the Family Name Pels
The meaning of Pels
Dutch, Flemish, and North German: metonymic occupational name for a furrier, from Middle Dutch, Middle Low German pels ‘fur’. Some characteristic forenames: German Ernst, Siegfried.
Dictionary of American Family Names, 2nd edition, © Oxford University Press, 2022.
How common is the last name Pels in the United States?
Based on the Decennial U.S. Census data, the surname Pels experienced a slight decrease in popularity from 2000 to 2010. In the year 2000, it ranked 61,376, and by 2010, it had slipped slightly in rank to 63,873, marking a -4.07% change. Despite this drop in ranking, the number of individuals with the surname Pels actually increased during this decade. The count rose from 306 in 2000 to 312 in 2010, indicating a modest growth of 1.96%. However, the proportion per 100k remained static at 0.11.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #61,376 | #63,873 | -4.07% |
| Count | 306 | 312 | 1.96% |
| Proportion per 100k | 0.11 | 0.11 | 0% |
Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Pels
Regarding the ethnic identity associated with the surname Pels, the Decennial U.S. Census data reveals that those identifying as white largely dominate. In both 2000 and 2010, close to 96% of individuals with this surname identified as white, although there was a slight decrease from 96.73% to 95.19%. The Hispanic population with the Pels surname saw notable growth over the decade, rising from 1.63% to 2.56%, a change of 57.06%. No Pels identified as Asian/Pacific Islander, Black, or American Indian and Alaskan Native in either census year.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 96.73% | 95.19% | -1.59% |
| Hispanic | 1.63% | 2.56% | 57.06% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Two or More Races | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Black | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| American Indian and Alaskan Native | 0% | 0% | 0% |