Origin & Meaning of the Donaldson Surname
What does the last name Donaldson mean?
The surname Donaldson carries the meaning "Son of Donald." 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 36,558 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Donaldson ranks as the #950 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Donaldson come from?
The Donaldson 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 Donaldson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Donaldson 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 | Donaldson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Donald |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #950 |
| US Count (2010) | 36,558 |
| Per 100K People | 12.39 |
| First Letter | D |
Ethnic Distribution of Donaldson
According to the US Census, the Donaldson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 36,558 Americans with the Donaldson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 72.06% |
| Black | 22.12% |
| Hispanic | 2.54% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.5% |
| Native American | 0.4% |
| Two or More Races | 2.38% |
Popularity of Donaldson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Donaldson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Donaldson surname increased by 1,171 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Donaldson
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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 Donaldson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Donaldson
Top Surnames Starting with D
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter D, ranked by population.
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