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

Table of contents
Updated November 8, 2023 | Infoplease Staff
Family tree

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.

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.
 
.
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.

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.

What About Other Ancestries?

While our investigation has been focused on discovering your American lineage, there are, of course, many other ancestries in the world. If you are interested in pursuing European ancestry, why not explore Our Public Records and their Family Search Resources in Europe? There are also resources such as My China Roots, Discover Your African Ancestry, and many more!

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.

Race and Ethnicity

Return to Top of Page

Sources +

About the author

Infoplease Staff


Infoplease staff work hard to create, curate, and edit a variety of content for all audiences.

Infoplease: your gateway to knowledge and enriching minds, one fact at a time.


View More About Our Editors, Experts, Authors, & Advisors