Origin & Meaning of the Fenton Surname
What does the last name Fenton mean?
The surname Fenton 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 16,017 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Fenton ranks as the #2,274 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Fenton come from?
The Fenton 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 Fenton name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Fenton 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 | Fenton |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,274 |
| US Count (2010) | 16,017 |
| Per 100K People | 5.43 |
| First Letter | F |
Ethnic Distribution of Fenton
According to the US Census, the Fenton surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 16,017 Americans with the Fenton last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 88.23% |
| Black | 6.52% |
| Hispanic | 2.7% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.66% |
| Native American | 0.43% |
| Two or More Races | 1.47% |
Popularity of Fenton Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Fenton surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Fenton surname increased by 797 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Fenton Family
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- ✓ The Fenton coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Where Fenton families live today
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- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Fenton
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Fenton.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Fenton.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fenton
Top Surnames Starting with F
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter F, ranked by population.
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