Explore the Family Name Potthast
The meaning of Potthast
North German (North Rhine-Westphalia): metonymic occupational name for a cook, from Middle Low German potharst (from pot ‘pot’ + harst ‘roast’), a thick soup or stew made with beef and root vegetables. The word was in common use until around 1850 and is now used locally, was replaced by Gulasch. Some characteristic forenames: German Berthold, Fritz, Kurt.
Dictionary of American Family Names, 2nd edition, © Oxford University Press, 2022.
How common is the last name Potthast in the United States?
Based on the Decennial U.S. Census data, the surname Potthast has seen a minor increase in popularity between the years 2000 and 2010. In 2000, the surname was ranked 41,722, but by 2010 it had risen to 40,261, indicating a 3.5% increase in ranking. The count of individuals bearing this surname also grew from 491 in 2000 to 544 in 2010, marking an approximate 11% rise. Despite these changes, the proportion of individuals with the Potthast surname per 100,000 people remained static at 0.18.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #41,722 | #40,261 | 3.5% |
| Count | 491 | 544 | 10.79% |
| Proportion per 100k | 0.18 | 0.18 | 0% |
Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Potthast
The ethnicity associated with the surname Potthast, as provided by the Decennial U.S. Census, demonstrated a slight variability over the decade. In 2000, 98.17% of individuals with the Potthast surname identified as White. However, by 2010, this percentage dropped slightly to 95.59%. Meanwhile, the representation of the Potthast surname within the Hispanic community saw a small rise, from 0% in 2000 to 2.57% in 2010. Those identifying with two or more ethnicities also started using the Potthast surname by 2010, accounting for 1.29% of the total. There were no individuals with this surname who identified as Asian/Pacific Islander, Black, or American Indian and Alaskan Native during either census year.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 98.17% | 95.59% | -2.63% |
| Hispanic | 0% | 2.57% | 0% |
| Two or More Races | 0% | 1.29% | 0% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Black | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| American Indian and Alaskan Native | 0% | 0% | 0% |