Origin & Meaning of the Nicholson Surname
What does the last name Nicholson mean?
The surname Nicholson carries the meaning "Son of Nichol." 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 58,151 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Nicholson ranks as the #575 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Nicholson come from?
The Nicholson 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 Nicholson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Nicholson 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 | Nicholson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Nichol |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #575 |
| US Count (2010) | 58,151 |
| Per 100K People | 19.71 |
| First Letter | N |
Ethnic Distribution of Nicholson
According to the US Census, the Nicholson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 58,151 Americans with the Nicholson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 74.25% |
| Black | 19.89% |
| Hispanic | 2.54% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.54% |
| Native American | 0.62% |
| Two or More Races | 2.15% |
Popularity of Nicholson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Nicholson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Nicholson surname increased by 2,165 between 2000 and 2010.
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Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Nicholson ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Nicholson Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Nicholson
- ✓ The Nicholson coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Nicholson families live today
- ✓ Notable Nicholson bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Nicholson
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Nicholson.
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 Nicholson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nicholson
Top Surnames Starting with N
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter N, ranked by population.
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