Origin & Meaning of the Covington Surname
What does the last name Covington mean?
The surname Covington 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 27,068 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Covington ranks as the #1,298 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Covington come from?
The Covington 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 Covington name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Covington 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 | Covington |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,298 |
| US Count (2010) | 27,068 |
| Per 100K People | 9.18 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Covington
According to the US Census, the Covington surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 27,068 Americans with the Covington last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 48.9% |
| Black | 45.18% |
| Hispanic | 2.14% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.34% |
| Native American | 0.66% |
| Two or More Races | 2.78% |
Popularity of Covington Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Covington surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Covington surname increased by 1,665 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Covington Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Covington ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
The Complete Story of the Covington Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Covington Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Covington
- ✓ The Covington coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Covington families live today
- ✓ Notable Covington bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
🎁 A heritage keepsake to pass down — perfect as a gift.
Similar Surnames to Covington
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Covington.
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 Covington.
Frequently Asked Questions About Covington
Top Surnames Starting with C
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter C, ranked by population.
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Covington surname also look for: