Gadsden — Last Name Origin & Meaning

African American origin Rank #11,393 in the US 2,768 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#11,393
▲ Up 476 since 2000
People in the US
2,768
0.94 per 100K people
Origin
African American
English

Origin & Meaning of the Gadsden Surname

What does the last name Gadsden mean?

The surname Gadsden carries the meaning "Surname with roots in African American heritage." It is derived from the English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 2,768 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Gadsden ranks as the #11,393 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Gadsden come from?

The Gadsden surname has its roots in African American heritage. Names of African American 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 Gadsden name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Gadsden trace back to 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.

African American English

Quick Facts

Surname Gadsden
Meaning Surname with roots in African American heritage
Origin African American
Language English
US Rank (2010) #11,393
US Count (2010) 2,768
Per 100K People 0.94
First Letter G

Ethnic Distribution of Gadsden

According to the US Census, the Gadsden surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,768 Americans with the Gadsden last name.

White 6.5%
Black 86.56%
Hispanic 3.03%
Two+ Races 3.43%
Ethnic distribution of the Gadsden surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White6.5%
Black86.56%
Hispanic3.03%
Two or More Races3.43%

Popularity of Gadsden Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Gadsden surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#11,869
2,415 people
Up 476
Census 2010
#11,393
2,768 people

The number of Americans with the Gadsden surname increased by 353 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Gadsden Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Gadsden ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

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Similar Surnames to Gadsden

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Gadsden.

Other African American Surnames

Explore more surnames with African American roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same African American origin as Gadsden.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gadsden

The surname Gadsden is of African American origin. Surname with roots in African American heritage
The surname Gadsden is ranked #11,393 in the United States with approximately 2,768 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
Surname with roots in African American heritage. The name has African American roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Gadsden surname is distributed as: 6.5% White, 86.6% Black. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Gadsden ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

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