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.
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.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 92.36% |
| Black | 3.34% |
| Hispanic | 2.13% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.39% |
| Native American | 0.74% |
| Two or More Races | 1.05% |
Popularity of Harrelson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Harrelson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Harrelson surname increased by 384 between 2000 and 2010.
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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
Top Surnames Starting with H
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter H, ranked by population.
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