Origin & Meaning of the Benton Surname
What does the last name Benton mean?
The surname Benton 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 37,912 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Benton ranks as the #912 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Benton come from?
The Benton 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 Benton name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Benton 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 | Benton |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #912 |
| US Count (2010) | 37,912 |
| Per 100K People | 12.85 |
| First Letter | B |
Ethnic Distribution of Benton
According to the US Census, the Benton surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 37,912 Americans with the Benton last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 69.0% |
| Black | 24.95% |
| Hispanic | 2.37% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.55% |
| Native American | 0.89% |
| Two or More Races | 2.23% |
Popularity of Benton Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Benton surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Benton surname increased by 880 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Benton Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Benton
- ✓ The Benton coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Benton families live today
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- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Benton
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Benton.
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 Benton.
Frequently Asked Questions About Benton
Top Surnames Starting with B
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter B, ranked by population.
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