This page needs Javascript enabled in order to work properly. Click here for instructions on how to enable it in your browser.
Surname Header Image
Get access to Negro family records.Start a 14-Day Free Trial

Negro Family History

Negro Surname Meaning

Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese derive from negro ‘black’ (from Latin niger), used as a nickname for someone with dark hair or a dark complexion and also as an ethnic name.

This term has historical significance as it traces back to a medieval continuation of the Latin personal name Niger, which also originates from niger meaning ‘black’.

The use of color-related names in various cultures highlights the influence of physical appearance in identity and classification.

Over time, these names evolved and adapted across different languages and societies, reflecting their unique histories.

In summary, the connection between the term negro and its Latin roots illustrates the broader linguistic and cultural relationships among these languages.

Source: Dictionary of American Family Names 2nd edition, 2022


Similar surnames: 

Search for a relative to learn more about your family history.

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Negro family from?

You can see how Negro families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Negro family name was found in the USA, and Canada between 1880 and 1920. The most Negro families were found in USA in 1920. In 1880 there were 13 Negro families living in Michigan. This was about 43% of all the recorded Negro's in USA. Michigan had the highest population of Negro families in 1880.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Negro surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.
Mapbox
© Mapbox © OpenStreetMap Improve this map

What did your Negro ancestors do for a living?

In 1940, Laborer and Operator were the top reported jobs for men and women in the USA named Negro. 27% of Negro men worked as a Laborer and 14% of Negro women worked as an Operator. Some less common occupations for Americans named Negro were New Worker and Saleslady.

View Census Data for Negro | Data not to scale

*We display top occupations by gender to maintain their historical accuracy during times when men and women often performed different jobs.

United States shown, England data unavailable

Top Male Occupations In 1940

  • Laborer
    27%
  • Truck Driver
    5%
  • Farmer
    5%
  • New Worker
    4%

Top Female Occupations In 1940

  • Operator
    14%
  • Laborer
    12%
  • Housewife
    12%
  • Saleslady
    10%

What Negro family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 13,000 census records available for the last name Negro. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Negro census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Negro

Passenger Lists

There are 3,000 immigration records available for the last name Negro. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in the UK, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Negro immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 9,000 military records available for the last name Negro. For the veterans among your Negro ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Negro military records

You've only scratched the surface of Negro family history

Discover More

What is the average Negro lifespan?

Between 1963 and 2004, in the United States, Negro life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1999, and highest in 1989. The average life expectancy for Negro in 1963 was 80, and 73 in 2004.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Negro

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Negro ancestors lived in harsh conditions. A short lifespan might also indicate health problems that were once prevalent in your family. The SSDI is a searchable database of more than 70 million names. You can find birthdates, death dates, addresses and more.

Discover the unique achievements of ancestors in the Negro family tree

Explore Your Tree
Search for another surname
Enter last name/surname
Start a 14-Day Free Trial