Highland — Last Name Origin & Meaning

English origin Rank #13,096 in the US 2,342 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#13,096
▼ Down 1074 since 2000
People in the US
2,342
0.79 per 100K people
Origin
English
Old English

Origin & Meaning of the Highland Surname

What does the last name Highland mean?

The surname Highland carries the meaning "From a specific area of land." 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 2,342 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Highland ranks as the #13,096 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Highland come from?

The Highland 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 Highland name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Highland 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 Highland
Meaning From a specific area of land
Origin English
Language Old English
US Rank (2010) #13,096
US Count (2010) 2,342
Per 100K People 0.79
First Letter H

Ethnic Distribution of Highland

According to the US Census, the Highland surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,342 Americans with the Highland last name.

White 88.86%
Black 6.36%
Hispanic 1.71%
Asian/PI 0.73%
Native American 0.3%
Two+ Races 2.05%
Ethnic distribution of the Highland surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White88.86%
Black6.36%
Hispanic1.71%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.73%
Native American0.3%
Two or More Races2.05%

Popularity of Highland Over Time

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

Census 2000
#12,022
2,384 people
Down 1074
Census 2010
#13,096
2,342 people

The number of Americans with the Highland surname decreased by 42 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Highland Ancestry

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

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Similar Surnames to Highland

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

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 Highland.

Frequently Asked Questions About Highland

The surname Highland is of English origin. From a specific area of land
The surname Highland is ranked #13,096 in the United States with approximately 2,342 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
From a specific area of land. The name has English roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Highland surname is distributed as: 88.9% White, 6.4% Black. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Highland 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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