Origin & Meaning of the Atherton Surname
What does the last name Atherton mean?
The surname Atherton 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 6,466 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Atherton ranks as the #5,382 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Atherton come from?
The Atherton 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 Atherton name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Atherton 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 | Atherton |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #5,382 |
| US Count (2010) | 6,466 |
| Per 100K People | 2.19 |
| First Letter | A |
Ethnic Distribution of Atherton
According to the US Census, the Atherton surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 6,466 Americans with the Atherton last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 92.16% |
| Black | 2.06% |
| Hispanic | 3.37% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.59% |
| Native American | 0.23% |
| Two or More Races | 1.59% |
Popularity of Atherton Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Atherton surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Atherton surname increased by 31 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Atherton
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