Origin & Meaning of the Atkinson Surname
What does the last name Atkinson mean?
The surname Atkinson carries the meaning "Son of Atkin." 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 53,376 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Atkinson ranks as the #637 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Atkinson come from?
The Atkinson 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 Atkinson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Atkinson 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 | Atkinson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Atkin |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #637 |
| US Count (2010) | 53,376 |
| Per 100K People | 18.09 |
| First Letter | A |
Ethnic Distribution of Atkinson
According to the US Census, the Atkinson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 53,376 Americans with the Atkinson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 79.31% |
| Black | 13.96% |
| Hispanic | 3.9% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.55% |
| Native American | 0.55% |
| Two or More Races | 1.73% |
Popularity of Atkinson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Atkinson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Atkinson surname increased by 1,887 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Atkinson
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