Origin & Meaning of the Overton Surname
What does the last name Overton mean?
The surname Overton carries the meaning "From a town or settlement." 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 18,820 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Overton ranks as the #1,914 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Overton come from?
The Overton 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 Overton name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Overton 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 | Overton |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,914 |
| US Count (2010) | 18,820 |
| Per 100K People | 6.38 |
| First Letter | O |
Ethnic Distribution of Overton
According to the US Census, the Overton surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 18,820 Americans with the Overton last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 67.18% |
| Black | 27.09% |
| Hispanic | 2.22% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.39% |
| Native American | 0.39% |
| Two or More Races | 2.73% |
Popularity of Overton Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Overton surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Overton surname increased by 726 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Overton
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