Origin & Meaning of the Canterbury Surname
What does the last name Canterbury mean?
The surname Canterbury carries the meaning "From a fortified place." 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 4,449 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Canterbury ranks as the #7,488 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Canterbury come from?
The Canterbury 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 Canterbury name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Canterbury 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 | Canterbury |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a fortified place |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #7,488 |
| US Count (2010) | 4,449 |
| Per 100K People | 1.51 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Canterbury
According to the US Census, the Canterbury surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,449 Americans with the Canterbury last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.22% |
| Black | 2.38% |
| Hispanic | 1.37% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.45% |
| Native American | 0.38% |
| Two or More Races | 1.19% |
Popularity of Canterbury Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Canterbury surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Canterbury surname increased by 117 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Canterbury Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Canterbury ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Canterbury Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Canterbury Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Canterbury
- ✓ The Canterbury coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Canterbury families live today
- ✓ Notable Canterbury bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Canterbury
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Canterbury.
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 Canterbury.
Frequently Asked Questions About Canterbury
Top Surnames Starting with C
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter C, ranked by population.
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