Origin & Meaning of the Donelson Surname
What does the last name Donelson mean?
The surname Donelson carries the meaning "Son of Donel." 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 3,152 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Donelson ranks as the #10,228 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Donelson come from?
The Donelson 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 Donelson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Donelson 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 | Donelson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Donel |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #10,228 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,152 |
| Per 100K People | 1.07 |
| First Letter | D |
Ethnic Distribution of Donelson
According to the US Census, the Donelson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,152 Americans with the Donelson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 67.8% |
| Black | 26.65% |
| Hispanic | 1.65% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.54% |
| Native American | 1.21% |
| Two or More Races | 2.16% |
Popularity of Donelson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Donelson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Donelson surname decreased by 45 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Donelson
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