Harrelson — Last Name Origin & Meaning

English origin Rank #4,428 in the US 8,023 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#4,428
▼ Down 134 since 2000
People in the US
8,023
2.72 per 100K people
Origin
English
Old English

Origin & Meaning of the Harrelson Surname

What does the last name Harrelson mean?

The surname Harrelson carries the meaning "Son of Harrel." 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 8,023 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Harrelson ranks as the #4,428 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Harrelson come from?

The Harrelson 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 Harrelson name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Harrelson 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.

English Old English

Quick Facts

Surname Harrelson
Meaning Son of Harrel
Origin English
Language Old English
US Rank (2010) #4,428
US Count (2010) 8,023
Per 100K People 2.72
First Letter H

Ethnic Distribution of Harrelson

According to the US Census, the Harrelson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 8,023 Americans with the Harrelson last name.

White 92.36%
Black 3.34%
Hispanic 2.13%
Asian/PI 0.39%
Native American 0.74%
Two+ Races 1.05%
Ethnic distribution of the Harrelson surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White92.36%
Black3.34%
Hispanic2.13%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.39%
Native American0.74%
Two or More Races1.05%

Popularity of Harrelson Over Time

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

Census 2000
#4,294
7,639 people
Down 134
Census 2010
#4,428
8,023 people

The number of Americans with the Harrelson surname increased by 384 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Harrelson Ancestry

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

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Similar Surnames to Harrelson

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

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 Harrelson.

Frequently Asked Questions About Harrelson

The surname Harrelson is of English origin. Son of Harrel
The surname Harrelson is ranked #4,428 in the United States with approximately 8,023 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
Son of Harrel. The name has English roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Harrelson surname is distributed as: 92.4% White. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Harrelson 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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