Origin & Meaning of the Mortensen Surname
What does the last name Mortensen mean?
The surname Mortensen carries the meaning "Son of Morten." 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 11,013 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mortensen ranks as the #3,282 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mortensen come from?
The Mortensen 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 Mortensen name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mortensen 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 | Mortensen |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Morten |
| Origin | Scandinavian |
| Language | Old Norse |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,282 |
| US Count (2010) | 11,013 |
| Per 100K People | 3.73 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mortensen
According to the US Census, the Mortensen surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 11,013 Americans with the Mortensen last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 93.48% |
| Black | 0.37% |
| Hispanic | 3.4% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.92% |
| Native American | 0.3% |
| Two or More Races | 1.53% |
Popularity of Mortensen Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mortensen surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mortensen surname increased by 805 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mortensen
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