Origin & Meaning of the Clinton Surname
What does the last name Clinton mean?
The surname Clinton 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 16,263 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Clinton ranks as the #2,242 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Clinton come from?
The Clinton 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 Clinton name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Clinton 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 | Clinton |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,242 |
| US Count (2010) | 16,263 |
| Per 100K People | 5.51 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Clinton
According to the US Census, the Clinton surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 16,263 Americans with the Clinton last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 65.28% |
| Black | 27.15% |
| Hispanic | 2.86% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.68% |
| Native American | 1.25% |
| Two or More Races | 2.77% |
Popularity of Clinton Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Clinton surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Clinton surname increased by 549 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Clinton
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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 Clinton.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clinton
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