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.
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.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 6.5% |
| Black | 86.56% |
| Hispanic | 3.03% |
| Two or More Races | 3.43% |
Popularity of Gadsden Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Gadsden surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Gadsden surname increased by 353 between 2000 and 2010.
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- ✓ The Gadsden coat of arms & heraldry
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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
Top Surnames Starting with G
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter G, ranked by population.
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