Origin & Meaning of the Ellison Surname
What does the last name Ellison mean?
The surname Ellison carries the meaning "Son of Elli." 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 42,827 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Ellison ranks as the #809 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Ellison come from?
The Ellison 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 Ellison name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Ellison 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 | Ellison |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Elli |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #809 |
| US Count (2010) | 42,827 |
| Per 100K People | 14.52 |
| First Letter | E |
Ethnic Distribution of Ellison
According to the US Census, the Ellison surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 42,827 Americans with the Ellison last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 65.84% |
| Black | 28.32% |
| Hispanic | 2.4% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.59% |
| Native American | 0.57% |
| Two or More Races | 2.29% |
Popularity of Ellison Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Ellison surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Ellison surname increased by 1,368 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ellison
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