Origin & Meaning of the Charleston Surname
What does the last name Charleston mean?
The surname Charleston 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 3,346 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Charleston ranks as the #9,695 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Charleston come from?
The Charleston 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 Charleston name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Charleston 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 | Charleston |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #9,695 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,346 |
| Per 100K People | 1.13 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Charleston
According to the US Census, the Charleston surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,346 Americans with the Charleston last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 30.3% |
| Black | 61.66% |
| Hispanic | 2.27% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.54% |
| Native American | 2.69% |
| Two or More Races | 2.54% |
Popularity of Charleston Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Charleston surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Charleston surname increased by 346 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Charleston Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Charleston
- ✓ The Charleston coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Charleston families live today
- ✓ Notable Charleston bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Charleston
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Charleston.
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 Charleston.
Frequently Asked Questions About Charleston
Top Surnames Starting with C
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter C, ranked by population.
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