Origin & Meaning of the Carlson Surname
What does the last name Carlson mean?
The surname Carlson carries the meaning "Son of Carl." 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 120,552 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Carlson ranks as the #252 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Carlson come from?
The Carlson 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 Carlson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Carlson 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 | Carlson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Carl |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #252 |
| US Count (2010) | 120,552 |
| Per 100K People | 40.87 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Carlson
According to the US Census, the Carlson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 120,552 Americans with the Carlson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.83% |
| Black | 0.46% |
| Hispanic | 2.07% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.77% |
| Native American | 0.49% |
| Two or More Races | 1.38% |
Popularity of Carlson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Carlson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Carlson surname increased by 428 between 2000 and 2010.
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Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Carlson ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Carlson Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Carlson Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Carlson
- ✓ The Carlson coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Carlson families live today
- ✓ Notable Carlson 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 Carlson
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Carlson.
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 Carlson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Carlson
Top Surnames Starting with C
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter C, ranked by population.
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