Explore the Family Name Severe
The meaning of Severe
1. Breton and French (Sévère): from the French personal name Sévère, from Latin Severus, meaning ‘harsh, austere’. Severus was the name of several Roman Emperors, including Alexander Severus (died 235), born in Syria, who was noted for his virtuous and studious character and his tolerance towards Christians. It was also borne by several early Christian saints. In France, this surname is found almost exclusively in Brittany (Finistère). 2. West Indian (mainly Haiti, also Martinique and Guadeloupe; Sévère): from the French personal name Sévère (see 1 above), or a nickname from French sévère ‘severe’. Some characteristic forenames: French Michel, Pierre, Clovis, Elodie, Fanchon, Gabrielle, Lucien, Monique, Regine, Rigaud.
Dictionary of American Family Names, 2nd edition, © Oxford University Press, 2022.
How common is the last name Severe in the United States?
Based on data from the Decennial U.S. Census, the surname Severe has seen a notable increase in popularity in the first decade of the 21st century. In 2000, Severe held the rank of 16,471 in terms of popular surnames in the United States. This ranking rose to 15,409 by 2010 – an improvement of 6.45 percent. In terms of the count of individuals bearing this surname, there was an 18.29 percent increase from 1,607 in 2000 to 1,901 in 2010. The proportion of people named Severe per 100,000 also saw a growth of 6.67 percent during this period.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #16,471 | #15,409 | 6.45% |
| Count | 1,607 | 1,901 | 18.29% |
| Proportion per 100k | 0.6 | 0.64 | 6.67% |
Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Severe
The Decennial U.S. Census data provides us with a fascinating insight into the changing ethnic identity associated with the surname Severe. The Black community bearing this surname experienced a significant rise of 29.21 percent between 2000 and 2010, while the White demographic showed a decrease of 15.47 percent. The Hispanic representation also fell by 19.29 percent. Interestingly, no Asian/Pacific Islanders or American Indian and Alaskan Natives were recorded with this surname in 2000, but by 2010, both these groups made up 0.32 percent each of the Severe population. Those identifying with two or more races decreased by 33.09 percent over the same time frame.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 56.32% | 47.61% | -15.47% |
| Black | 36.15% | 46.71% | 29.21% |
| Two or More Races | 4.17% | 2.79% | -33.09% |
| Hispanic | 2.8% | 2.26% | -19.29% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0% | 0.32% | 0% |
| American Indian and Alaskan Native | 0% | 0.32% | 0% |