Last Names on the brink of extinction

[spuwho]

Per MyHeritage.com:

9 Last Names on the Brink of Extinction

Unusual names have lingered for centuries, but did you know that they can become extinct? Any last name with under 200 "bearers" is endangered, and we've found some which are even extinct. Do you have a rare last name on the verge of extinction? Or is your last name extremely common?

Last names with less than 20 bearers:
Sallow
Fernsby
Villin (Villan)
Miracle
Dankworth
Relish
MacQuoid
Loughty
Birdwhistle
Berrycloth
Culpepper
Tumbler

Endangered last names with under 200 bearers:
Ajax
Edevane
Gastrell
Slora

Last names presumed extinct since 2011:
Bread
MacCaa
Spinster
Pussett, Puscat and Pussmaid
Bythesea and Bytheseashore


So, why are so many names becoming extinct? Names linked to uncommon professions or geographic places are dying out slowly unlike the more popular Smith and Baker. Also, many last names were wiped out during war when young men died in battle taking with them their distinctive last names of the villages and hamlets they came from. Many of these were British names which, just like people, have migrated across the shores to America or Australasia, which means the names have moved to a new home. Other last names, like those from Eastern Europe, have become anglicized and popular in Britain taking over the traditional British names.

[acme54321]

Less than 9 people carry the last name of Culpepper?  This list is bunk.

[spuwho]

I agree. It was the one name on the list I thought suspect. Just a Google search on the name and I can pull up 5 living people, 2 if them former NFL players.

[Ajax]

Yeah, Culpepper jumped out at me too because I have an aunt in Tennessee named Culpepper.  Then I thought of Brad and Dante and it just doesn't seem possible.  Just look at Facebook and I don't think that name is as endangered as the list would indicate.