Origin & Meaning of the Carleton Surname
What does the last name Carleton mean?
The surname Carleton 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 4,282 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Carleton ranks as the #7,753 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Carleton come from?
The Carleton 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 Carleton name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Carleton 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 | Carleton |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #7,753 |
| US Count (2010) | 4,282 |
| Per 100K People | 1.45 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Carleton
According to the US Census, the Carleton surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,282 Americans with the Carleton last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 93.44% |
| Black | 1.82% |
| Hispanic | 2.38% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.77% |
| Native American | 0.49% |
| Two or More Races | 1.1% |
Popularity of Carleton Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Carleton surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Carleton surname increased by 205 between 2000 and 2010.
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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 Carleton.
Frequently Asked Questions About Carleton
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