Origin & Meaning of the Carlton Surname
What does the last name Carlton mean?
The surname Carlton 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 21,202 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Carlton ranks as the #1,698 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Carlton come from?
The Carlton 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 Carlton name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Carlton 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 | Carlton |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,698 |
| US Count (2010) | 21,202 |
| Per 100K People | 7.19 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Carlton
According to the US Census, the Carlton surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 21,202 Americans with the Carlton last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 79.69% |
| Black | 14.68% |
| Hispanic | 2.39% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.51% |
| Native American | 0.62% |
| Two or More Races | 2.1% |
Popularity of Carlton Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Carlton surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Carlton surname increased by 475 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Carlton
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