Origin & Meaning of the King Surname
What does the last name King mean?
The surname King carries the meaning "Nickname for someone who acted regally, or who played the king in a play." 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 465,422 bearers in the 2010 US Census, King ranks as the #34 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname King come from?
The King 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 King name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of King 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 | King |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Nickname for someone who acted regally, or who played the king in a play |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #34 |
| US Count (2010) | 465,422 |
| Per 100K People | 157.78 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of King
According to the US Census, the King surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 465,422 Americans with the King last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 70.16% |
| Black | 22.76% |
| Hispanic | 2.55% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.23% |
| Native American | 0.98% |
| Two or More Races | 2.31% |
Popularity of King Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the King surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the King surname increased by 26,436 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your King Ancestry
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The Complete Story of the King Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of King
- ✓ The King coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where King families live today
- ✓ Notable King bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to King
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with King.
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 King.
Frequently Asked Questions About King
Top Surnames Starting with K
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter K, ranked by population.
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