Origin & Meaning of the Paxton Surname
What does the last name Paxton mean?
The surname Paxton 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 11,754 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Paxton ranks as the #3,049 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Paxton come from?
The Paxton 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 Paxton name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Paxton 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 | Paxton |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,049 |
| US Count (2010) | 11,754 |
| Per 100K People | 3.98 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Paxton
According to the US Census, the Paxton surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 11,754 Americans with the Paxton last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 86.18% |
| Black | 8.09% |
| Hispanic | 2.29% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.56% |
| Native American | 0.73% |
| Two or More Races | 2.14% |
Popularity of Paxton Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Paxton surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Paxton surname increased by 741 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Paxton
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