Origin & Meaning of the Dotson Surname
What does the last name Dotson mean?
The surname Dotson carries the meaning "Son of Dot." 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 33,347 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Dotson ranks as the #1,045 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Dotson come from?
The Dotson 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 Dotson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Dotson 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 | Dotson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Dot |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,045 |
| US Count (2010) | 33,347 |
| Per 100K People | 11.3 |
| First Letter | D |
Ethnic Distribution of Dotson
According to the US Census, the Dotson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 33,347 Americans with the Dotson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 68.17% |
| Black | 26.47% |
| Hispanic | 1.92% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.32% |
| Native American | 0.67% |
| Two or More Races | 2.45% |
Popularity of Dotson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Dotson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Dotson surname increased by 1,563 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dotson
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