Origin & Meaning of the Hanson Surname
What does the last name Hanson mean?
The surname Hanson carries the meaning "Son of Han." 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 111,144 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Hanson ranks as the #276 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Hanson come from?
The Hanson 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 Hanson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Hanson 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 | Hanson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Han |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #276 |
| US Count (2010) | 111,144 |
| Per 100K People | 37.68 |
| First Letter | H |
Ethnic Distribution of Hanson
According to the US Census, the Hanson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 111,144 Americans with the Hanson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 92.11% |
| Black | 2.85% |
| Hispanic | 2.11% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.7% |
| Native American | 0.67% |
| Two or More Races | 1.55% |
Popularity of Hanson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Hanson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Hanson surname increased by 2,065 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Hanson Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Hanson ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Hanson Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Hanson Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Hanson
- ✓ The Hanson coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Hanson families live today
- ✓ Notable Hanson bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Hanson
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Hanson.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Hanson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hanson
Top Surnames Starting with H
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter H, ranked by population.
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