Origin & Meaning of the Christensen Surname
What does the last name Christensen mean?
The surname Christensen carries the meaning "Son of Christen." It is derived from the Old Norse language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 75,143 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Christensen ranks as the #433 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Christensen come from?
The Christensen surname has its roots in Scandinavian heritage. Names of Scandinavian 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 Christensen name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Christensen trace back to Old Norse. 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 | Christensen |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Christen |
| Origin | Scandinavian |
| Language | Old Norse |
| US Rank (2010) | #433 |
| US Count (2010) | 75,143 |
| Per 100K People | 25.47 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Christensen
According to the US Census, the Christensen surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 75,143 Americans with the Christensen last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.42% |
| Black | 0.36% |
| Hispanic | 2.38% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.73% |
| Native American | 0.6% |
| Two or More Races | 1.51% |
Popularity of Christensen Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Christensen surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Christensen surname increased by 3,999 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Christensen Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Christensen ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Christensen
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Christensen.
Other Scandinavian Surnames
Explore more surnames with Scandinavian roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Scandinavian origin as Christensen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christensen
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Christensen surname also look for: