Origin & Meaning of the Emerson Surname
What does the last name Emerson mean?
The surname Emerson carries the meaning "Son of Emer." 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 30,702 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Emerson ranks as the #1,145 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Emerson come from?
The Emerson 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 Emerson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Emerson 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 | Emerson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Emer |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,145 |
| US Count (2010) | 30,702 |
| Per 100K People | 10.41 |
| First Letter | E |
Ethnic Distribution of Emerson
According to the US Census, the Emerson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 30,702 Americans with the Emerson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 84.83% |
| Black | 8.19% |
| Hispanic | 2.68% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.71% |
| Native American | 1.61% |
| Two or More Races | 1.98% |
Popularity of Emerson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Emerson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Emerson surname increased by 674 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Emerson
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