Explore the Family Name Single

The meaning of Single

1. English: topographic name from one or more places called with Old English sengel, perhaps meaning ‘brushwood’ or ‘burnt clearing’, such as Cowdray in Cocking (Sussex), recorded as la Cengel, la Sengle in the 13th century. 2. English: nickname from Middle English sengle, single ‘single, unmarried’, perhaps also ‘living alone, solitary’ (Old French sengle). Compare Singler. 3. German: from a pet form of an ancient Germanic person name formed with sing ‘sing’ as the first element.

Dictionary of American Family Names, 2nd edition, © Oxford University Press, 2022.

How common is the last name Single in the United States?

Based on the Decennial U.S. Census data, the popularity of the surname "Single" slightly decreased between 2000 and 2010. In 2000, the surname ranked 35,445 in popularity and was held by approximately 601 individuals. This figure represented a proportion of around 0.22 individuals per 100,000. However, by 2010, the surname's rank had dropped to 41,886, with only 519 bearers left, representing a proportion of about 0.18 per 100,000. This decline in popularity represented a change of -18.17% in rank and -13.64% in count.

20002010Change
Rank#35,445#41,886-18.17%
Count601519-13.64%
Proportion per 100k0.220.18-18.18%

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Single

When considering the ethnic identity associated with the surname "Single", the Decennial U.S. Census data reveals interesting trends. The majority, or 88.44% of those with this surname identified as White in 2010, a slight increase from 88.35% in 2000. There was a significant increase in those identifying as Hispanic, jumping from 1.16% in 2000 to 2.12% in 2010, which represents an 82.76% change. Conversely, the percentage of those identifying as Black decreased from 8.82% in 2000 to 7.51% in 2010, showing a -14.85% change. No individuals with this surname identified as Asian/Pacific Islander or American Indian and Alaskan Native during these years.

20002010Change
White88.35%88.44%0.1%
Black8.82%7.51%-14.85%
Hispanic1.16%2.12%82.76%
Asian/Pacific Islander0%0%0%
Two or More Races1.33%0%0%
American Indian and Alaskan Native0%0%0%