Origin & Meaning of the Kirkland Surname
What does the last name Kirkland mean?
The surname Kirkland 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 30,283 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Kirkland ranks as the #1,161 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Kirkland come from?
The Kirkland 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 Kirkland name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Kirkland 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 | Kirkland |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a specific area of land |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,161 |
| US Count (2010) | 30,283 |
| Per 100K People | 10.27 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Kirkland
According to the US Census, the Kirkland surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 30,283 Americans with the Kirkland last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 68.79% |
| Black | 26.33% |
| Hispanic | 2.1% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.46% |
| Native American | 0.52% |
| Two or More Races | 1.8% |
Popularity of Kirkland Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Kirkland surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Kirkland surname increased by 1,346 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Kirkland Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Kirkland ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
The Complete Story of the Kirkland Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Kirkland Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Kirkland
- ✓ The Kirkland coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Kirkland families live today
- ✓ Notable Kirkland bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
🎁 A heritage keepsake to pass down — perfect as a gift.
Similar Surnames to Kirkland
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Kirkland.
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 Kirkland.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kirkland
Top Surnames Starting with K
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter K, ranked by population.
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Kirkland surname also look for: