Origin & Meaning of the Hamilton Surname
What does the last name Hamilton mean?
The surname Hamilton 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 201,746 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Hamilton ranks as the #119 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Hamilton come from?
The Hamilton 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 Hamilton name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Hamilton 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 | Hamilton |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #119 |
| US Count (2010) | 201,746 |
| Per 100K People | 68.39 |
| First Letter | H |
Ethnic Distribution of Hamilton
According to the US Census, the Hamilton surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 201,746 Americans with the Hamilton last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 70.21% |
| Black | 23.71% |
| Hispanic | 2.45% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.54% |
| Native American | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 2.29% |
Popularity of Hamilton Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Hamilton surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Hamilton surname increased by 7,415 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hamilton
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