Origin & Meaning of the Johnson Surname
What does the last name Johnson mean?
The surname Johnson carries the meaning "Son of John." It is derived from the Middle English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 1,932,812 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Johnson ranks as the #2 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Johnson come from?
The Johnson 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 Johnson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Johnson trace back to Middle 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 | Johnson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of John |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Middle English |
| US Rank (2010) | #2 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,932,812 |
| Per 100K People | 655.24 |
| First Letter | J |
Ethnic Distribution of Johnson
According to the US Census, the Johnson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,932,812 Americans with the Johnson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 58.97% |
| Black | 34.63% |
| Hispanic | 2.36% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.54% |
| Native American | 0.94% |
| Two or More Races | 2.56% |
Popularity of Johnson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Johnson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Johnson surname increased by 75,652 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Johnson Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Johnson
- ✓ The Johnson coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Johnson families live today
- ✓ Notable Johnson bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Johnson
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Johnson.
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 Johnson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Johnson
Top Surnames Starting with J
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter J, ranked by population.
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