Origin & Meaning of the Henderson Surname
What does the last name Henderson mean?
The surname Henderson carries the meaning "Son of Hender." 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 218,393 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Henderson ranks as the #109 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Henderson come from?
The Henderson 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 Henderson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Henderson 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 | Henderson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Hender |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #109 |
| US Count (2010) | 218,393 |
| Per 100K People | 74.04 |
| First Letter | H |
Ethnic Distribution of Henderson
According to the US Census, the Henderson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 218,393 Americans with the Henderson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 59.63% |
| Black | 33.98% |
| Hispanic | 2.51% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.45% |
| Native American | 0.86% |
| Two or More Races | 2.56% |
Popularity of Henderson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Henderson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Henderson surname increased by 8,299 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Henderson Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Henderson ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Henderson Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Henderson
- ✓ The Henderson coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Henderson families live today
- ✓ Notable Henderson 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 Henderson
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Henderson.
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 Henderson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Henderson
Top Surnames Starting with H
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter H, ranked by population.
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