Origin & Meaning of the Kenton Surname
What does the last name Kenton mean?
The surname Kenton carries the meaning "From a town or settlement." 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 1,529 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Kenton ranks as the #18,198 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Kenton come from?
The Kenton 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 Kenton name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Kenton 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 | Kenton |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #18,198 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,529 |
| Per 100K People | 0.52 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Kenton
According to the US Census, the Kenton surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,529 Americans with the Kenton last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 69.91% |
| Black | 14.85% |
| Hispanic | 4.25% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.39% |
| Native American | 8.89% |
| Two or More Races | 1.7% |
Popularity of Kenton Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Kenton surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Kenton surname decreased by 59 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Kenton Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Kenton ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Kenton Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Kenton Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Kenton
- ✓ The Kenton coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Kenton families live today
- ✓ Notable Kenton 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 Kenton
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Kenton.
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 Kenton.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kenton
Top Surnames Starting with K
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter K, ranked by population.
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