Origin & Meaning of the Paulsen Surname
What does the last name Paulsen mean?
The surname Paulsen carries the meaning "Son of Paul." 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 11,243 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Paulsen ranks as the #3,211 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Paulsen come from?
The Paulsen 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 Paulsen name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Paulsen 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 | Paulsen |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Paul |
| Origin | Scandinavian |
| Language | Old Norse |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,211 |
| US Count (2010) | 11,243 |
| Per 100K People | 3.81 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Paulsen
According to the US Census, the Paulsen surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 11,243 Americans with the Paulsen last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.45% |
| Black | 0.36% |
| Hispanic | 2.21% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.83% |
| Native American | 0.71% |
| Two or More Races | 1.43% |
Popularity of Paulsen Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Paulsen surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Paulsen surname increased by 122 between 2000 and 2010.
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Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Paulsen ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Paulsen Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Paulsen Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Paulsen
- ✓ The Paulsen coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Paulsen families live today
- ✓ Notable Paulsen bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Paulsen
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Paulsen.
Other Scandinavian Surnames
Explore more surnames with Scandinavian roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Scandinavian origin as Paulsen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paulsen
Top Surnames Starting with P
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter P, ranked by population.
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