Origin & Meaning of the Jefferson Surname
What does the last name Jefferson mean?
The surname Jefferson carries the meaning "Son of Jeffer." 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 55,179 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Jefferson ranks as the #615 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Jefferson come from?
The Jefferson 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 Jefferson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Jefferson 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 | Jefferson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Jeffer |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #615 |
| US Count (2010) | 55,179 |
| Per 100K People | 18.71 |
| First Letter | J |
Ethnic Distribution of Jefferson
According to the US Census, the Jefferson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 55,179 Americans with the Jefferson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 17.45% |
| Black | 74.24% |
| Hispanic | 2.47% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.4% |
| Native American | 1.9% |
| Two or More Races | 3.54% |
Popularity of Jefferson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Jefferson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Jefferson surname increased by 3,818 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Jefferson Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Jefferson
- ✓ The Jefferson coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Jefferson
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Jefferson.
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 Jefferson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jefferson
Top Surnames Starting with J
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter J, ranked by population.
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