Origin & Meaning of the Eaton Surname
What does the last name Eaton mean?
The surname Eaton 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 47,184 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Eaton ranks as the #740 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Eaton come from?
The Eaton 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 Eaton name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Eaton 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 | Eaton |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #740 |
| US Count (2010) | 47,184 |
| Per 100K People | 16.0 |
| First Letter | E |
Ethnic Distribution of Eaton
According to the US Census, the Eaton surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 47,184 Americans with the Eaton last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 85.11% |
| Black | 9.56% |
| Hispanic | 2.31% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.54% |
| Native American | 0.76% |
| Two or More Races | 1.72% |
Popularity of Eaton Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Eaton surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Eaton surname increased by 781 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Eaton
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