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

Table of contents

Updated March 28, 2023 | Factmonster Staff Updated by an Factmonster Editor on March 28, 2023

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
Rank	Ancestry group	Population
1	German	42,841,569
2	Irish	30,524,799
3	Black/African-American¹ (non-Hispanic)	24,903,412
4	English	24,509,692
5	American¹	20,188,305
6	Mexican	18,382,291
7	Italian	15,638,348
8	Polish	8,977,235
9	French	8,309,666
10	American Indian¹	7,876,568
11	Scottish	4,890,581
12	Dutch	4,541,770
13	Norwegian	4,477,725
14	Scotch-Irish	4,319,232
15	Swedish	3,998,310
16	White¹	3,834,122
17	Puerto Rican	2,652,598
18	Russian	2,652,214
19	Hispanic¹	2,451,109
20	French Canadian	2,349,684
21	Chinese	2,271,562
22	Spanish	2,187,144
23	Filipino	2,116,478
24	European¹	1,968,696
25	Welsh	1,753,794

2015 Results
Rank	Ancestry Group	Population
1	German	46,403,053
2	Black/African-American¹ (non-Hispanic)	38,785,726
3	Mexican (of any race)	34,640,287
4	Irish	33,526,444
5	English	24,787,018
6	American¹	22,746,991
7	Italian	17,285,619
8	Polish	9,385,766
9	French	8,272,538
10	Scottish	5,409,343
11	Puerto Rican	5,174,554
12	Norwegian	4,445,030
13	Dutch	4,289,116
14	Swedish	3,933,024
15	Chinese	3,852,099
16	Asian Indian	3,303,512
17	Scotch-Irish	3,046,005
18	Russian	2,843,400
19	West Indian (non-Hispanic)	2,824,722
20	Filipino	2,717,844

2020 Results
Rank	Ancestry group	Population
1	White¹	229,960,813
2	Hispanic or Latino¹	59,361,020
3	Black/African-American¹ (non-Hispanic)	41,227,384
4	Mexican	36,537,028
5	Asian	18,421,637
6	American¹	16,260,197
7	German	13,082,328
8	English	8,253,942
9	Irish	8,084,724
10	Italian	5,724,762
11	Puerto Rican	5,699,150
12	Chinese	4,151,009
13	Asian Indian	4,143,134
14	Subsaharan African	3,042,698
15	Filipino	2,884,210
16	Polish	2,755,630
17	Cuban	2,332,584
18	Salvadorian	2,244,914
19	West Indian (non-Hispanic)	2,242,334
20	American Indian¹	2,056,108
21	Chinese	2,271,562
22	Spanish	2,187,144
23	Filipino	2,116,478
24	European¹	1,968,696
25	Welsh	1,753,794

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.

1. Group may encompass several ancestries not listed separately

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

Race and Ethnicity

Sources +

✖