Origin & Meaning of the Appleton Surname
What does the last name Appleton mean?
The surname Appleton carries the meaning "From a town or settlement." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 5,588 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Appleton ranks as the #6,132 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Appleton come from?
The Appleton surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English 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 Appleton name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Appleton trace back to Old 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 | Appleton |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #6,132 |
| US Count (2010) | 5,588 |
| Per 100K People | 1.89 |
| First Letter | A |
Ethnic Distribution of Appleton
According to the US Census, the Appleton surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 5,588 Americans with the Appleton last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 79.62% |
| Black | 14.32% |
| Hispanic | 2.45% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.45% |
| Native American | 0.95% |
| Two or More Races | 2.22% |
Popularity of Appleton Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Appleton surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Appleton surname increased by 211 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Appleton Family
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- ✓ The Appleton coat of arms & heraldry
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Similar Surnames to Appleton
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Appleton.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Appleton.
Frequently Asked Questions About Appleton
Top Surnames Starting with A
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter A, ranked by population.
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