Origin & Meaning of the Fortson Surname
What does the last name Fortson mean?
The surname Fortson carries the meaning "Son of Fort." 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 4,273 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Fortson ranks as the #7,765 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Fortson come from?
The Fortson 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 Fortson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Fortson 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 | Fortson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Fort |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #7,765 |
| US Count (2010) | 4,273 |
| Per 100K People | 1.45 |
| First Letter | F |
Ethnic Distribution of Fortson
According to the US Census, the Fortson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,273 Americans with the Fortson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 41.33% |
| Black | 52.26% |
| Hispanic | 3.11% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.26% |
| Native American | 0.19% |
| Two or More Races | 2.86% |
Popularity of Fortson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Fortson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Fortson surname increased by 194 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Fortson
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