Origin & Meaning of the Anderson Surname
What does the last name Anderson mean?
The surname Anderson carries the meaning "Son of Ander." It is derived from the English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 784,404 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Anderson ranks as the #15 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Anderson come from?
The Anderson surname has its roots in English/Scandinavian heritage. Names of English/Scandinavian origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Anderson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Anderson trace back to English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Anderson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Ander |
| Origin | English/Scandinavian |
| Language | English |
| US Rank (2010) | #15 |
| US Count (2010) | 784,404 |
| Per 100K People | 265.92 |
| First Letter | A |
Ethnic Distribution of Anderson
According to the US Census, the Anderson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 784,404 Americans with the Anderson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 75.17% |
| Black | 18.93% |
| Hispanic | 2.44% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.61% |
| Native American | 0.74% |
| Two or More Races | 2.11% |
Popularity of Anderson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Anderson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Anderson surname increased by 22,010 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Anderson Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Anderson
- ✓ The Anderson coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Anderson families live today
- ✓ Notable Anderson bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Anderson
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Anderson.
Other English/Scandinavian Surnames
Explore more surnames with English/Scandinavian roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English/Scandinavian origin as Anderson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anderson
Top Surnames Starting with A
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter A, ranked by population.
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