Origin & Meaning of the Caldwell Surname
What does the last name Caldwell mean?
The surname Caldwell carries the meaning "From a spring or stream." 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 93,944 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Caldwell ranks as the #327 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Caldwell come from?
The Caldwell 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 Caldwell name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Caldwell 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 | Caldwell |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a spring or stream |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #327 |
| US Count (2010) | 93,944 |
| Per 100K People | 31.85 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Caldwell
According to the US Census, the Caldwell surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 93,944 Americans with the Caldwell last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 68.05% |
| Black | 26.18% |
| Hispanic | 2.29% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.42% |
| Native American | 0.74% |
| Two or More Races | 2.32% |
Popularity of Caldwell Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Caldwell surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Caldwell surname increased by 2,606 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Caldwell Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Caldwell
- ✓ The Caldwell coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Caldwell families live today
- ✓ Notable Caldwell bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Caldwell
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Caldwell.
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 Caldwell.
Frequently Asked Questions About Caldwell
Top Surnames Starting with C
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter C, ranked by population.
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