Ancestry of U.S. Population by Rank (2023 Update)

Table of contents
Updated March 28, 2023 | Factmonster Staff

Genealogy is the study and investigation of family histories and lineages. By exploring various resources such as DNA testing, census records, immigration records, and family history research, we can gain a deeper understanding of our family's history and cultural heritage. This article provides some of the ways to discover your ancestry groups in the U.S. and the top 20 ancestry groups by rank.

How to Discover Your American Ancestry

Genealogy is a fascinating field that allows us to discover our ancestry and the various ethnic groups that make up our DNA. In the United States, there are numerous ancestry groups that are commonly found, such as those of European, African, and Native American descent. Here are some ways to discover your ancestry groups in the U.S.

Census Records

Census records are a valuable resource for discovering your ancestry groups in the U.S. These records were taken every 10 years, starting in 1790, and provide information on the population of the country. You can search census records online or visit your local library or historical society to access them. Census records can reveal information such as your ancestors' birthplace, occupation, and ethnicity.

Church Records

Church records can provide valuable information on your ancestors' religious affiliation, baptism, marriage, and burial. These records can also reveal information on your ancestors' immigration and naturalization status. You can access church records online or visit the church archives to search for information.

DNA Testing

DNA testing is a popular way to discover your ancestry groups. There are several DNA testing companies that offer this service, such as AncestryDNA, 23andMe, and FamilyTreeDNA. These tests can reveal your ethnicity estimate, which will show the percentage of your DNA that comes from different regions of the world. For example, you may discover that you have Irish, German, and Italian ancestry.

Family History

Talking to your relatives and researching your family history can also provide insight into your ancestry groups. Family stories, photographs, and documents can reveal information on your ancestors' ethnicity, religion, and traditions. You can also use genealogy websites such as Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org to create your family tree and connect with other relatives.

Immigration Records

Immigration records can provide valuable information on your ancestors' country of origin and their journey to the U.S. There are several online databases that offer access to immigration records, such as Ellis Island and Castle Garden. These records can also provide information on your ancestors' age, occupations, and family members.

Land Records

Land records can provide information on your ancestors' land ownership and property transactions. These records can also reveal information on your ancestors' occupation and economic status. You can access land records online or visit the county courthouse to search for information.

Military Records

Military records can provide information on your ancestors' service in the U.S. military and their involvement in wars and conflicts. These records can also provide information on your ancestors' rank, unit, and medals. You can access military records online or visit the National Archives to search for information.

Social Media

Social media can be a valuable resource for discovering your ancestry groups. You can join online genealogy groups and forums to connect with other researchers and share information. You can also use social media to search for living relatives and connect with them.

Discover the Top 20 Ancestry Groups in the U.S.

The United States is full of people from many, many different ethnic groups and ancestral lineages. The following information is provided by the U.S. Census Bureau and covers the time period between 2000 and 2020, and sheds light on the U.S. population by ancestry.

2000 Results
RankAncestry groupPopulation
1German42,841,569
2Irish30,524,799
3Black/African-American1 (non-Hispanic)24,903,412
4English24,509,692
5American120,188,305
6Mexican18,382,291
7Italian15,638,348
8Polish8,977,235
9French8,309,666
10American Indian17,876,568
11Scottish4,890,581
12Dutch4,541,770
13Norwegian4,477,725
14Scotch-Irish4,319,232
15Swedish3,998,310
16White13,834,122
17Puerto Rican2,652,598
18Russian2,652,214
19Hispanic12,451,109
20French Canadian2,349,684
21Chinese2,271,562
22Spanish2,187,144
23Filipino2,116,478
24European11,968,696
25Welsh1,753,794
2015 Results
RankAncestry GroupPopulation
1German46,403,053
2Black/African-American1 (non-Hispanic)38,785,726
3Mexican (of any race)34,640,287
4Irish33,526,444
5English24,787,018
6American122,746,991
7Italian17,285,619
8Polish9,385,766
9French8,272,538
10Scottish5,409,343
11Puerto Rican5,174,554
12Norwegian4,445,030
13Dutch4,289,116
14Swedish3,933,024
15Chinese3,852,099
16Asian Indian3,303,512
17Scotch-Irish3,046,005
18Russian2,843,400
19West Indian (non-Hispanic)2,824,722
20Filipino2,717,844
2020 Results
RankAncestry groupPopulation
1White1229,960,813
2Hispanic or Latino159,361,020
3Black/African-American1 (non-Hispanic)41,227,384
4Mexican36,537,028
5Asian18,421,637
6American116,260,197
7German13,082,328
8English8,253,942
9Irish8,084,724
10Italian5,724,762
11Puerto Rican5,699,150
12Chinese4,151,009
13Asian Indian4,143,134
14Subsaharan African3,042,698
15Filipino2,884,210
16Polish2,755,630
17Cuban2,332,584
18Salvadorian2,244,914
19West Indian (non-Hispanic)2,242,334
20American Indian12,056,108
21Chinese2,271,562
22Spanish2,187,144
23Filipino2,116,478
24European11,968,696
25Welsh1,753,794
 
NOTES: Ancestry is a broad concept that can mean different things to different people. The ancestry groups listed on this table were self-identified. The Census Bureau defines ancestry as a person's ethnic origin, heritage, descent, or roots, which may reflect their place of birth, place of birth of parents or ancestors, and ethnic identities that have evolved within the United States. Many respondents listed more than one area of ancestry; the sum of the persons reporting the ancestry is greater than the total. Overall, about 500 different ancestries were reported during Census 2000. The 2015 Census did not include questions explicitly about ancestry, but other government bodies record population by race.
 
.
2. Data is from American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2015-2020, 2010-2014.
 
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Ancestry: 2000, issued June 2004; 2015 American Community Survey.
 
Race and Ethnicity

Concluding U.S. Population by Ancestry

Discovering your ancestry groups in the U.S. can be a rewarding experience. DNA testing, census records, immigration records, and family history research are all valuable resources that can provide insight into your ancestors' ethnicity and cultural background.

Return to Top of Page

Sources +