Origin & Meaning of the Hansen Surname
What does the last name Hansen mean?
The surname Hansen carries the meaning "Son of Han." It is derived from the Old Norse language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 137,977 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Hansen ranks as the #204 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Hansen come from?
The Hansen surname has its roots in Scandinavian heritage. Names of Scandinavian 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 Hansen name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Hansen trace back to Old Norse. 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 | Hansen |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Han |
| Origin | Scandinavian |
| Language | Old Norse |
| US Rank (2010) | #204 |
| US Count (2010) | 137,977 |
| Per 100K People | 46.78 |
| First Letter | H |
Ethnic Distribution of Hansen
According to the US Census, the Hansen surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 137,977 Americans with the Hansen last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.22% |
| Black | 0.53% |
| Hispanic | 2.54% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.74% |
| Native American | 0.49% |
| Two or More Races | 1.47% |
Popularity of Hansen Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Hansen surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Hansen surname increased by 4,503 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hansen
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