Origin & Meaning of the Canton Surname
What does the last name Canton mean?
The surname Canton 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 2,353 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Canton ranks as the #13,049 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Canton come from?
The Canton 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 Canton name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Canton 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 | Canton |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #13,049 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,353 |
| Per 100K People | 0.8 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Canton
According to the US Census, the Canton surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,353 Americans with the Canton last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 43.86% |
| Black | 20.61% |
| Hispanic | 26.94% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 5.1% |
| Native American | 0.42% |
| Two or More Races | 3.06% |
Popularity of Canton Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Canton surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Canton surname increased by 175 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Canton
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