Origin & Meaning of the Knudsen Surname
What does the last name Knudsen mean?
The surname Knudsen carries the meaning "Son of Knud." It is derived from the Old Norse language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 9,104 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Knudsen ranks as the #3,898 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Knudsen come from?
The Knudsen surname has its roots in Scandinavian heritage. Names of Scandinavian 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 Knudsen name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Knudsen trace back to Old Norse. 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 | Knudsen |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Knud |
| Origin | Scandinavian |
| Language | Old Norse |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,898 |
| US Count (2010) | 9,104 |
| Per 100K People | 3.09 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Knudsen
According to the US Census, the Knudsen surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 9,104 Americans with the Knudsen last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 93.73% |
| Black | 0.24% |
| Hispanic | 2.72% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.74% |
| Native American | 1.03% |
| Two or More Races | 1.54% |
Popularity of Knudsen Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Knudsen surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Knudsen surname increased by 227 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Knudsen
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