Origin & Meaning of the Pelton Surname
What does the last name Pelton mean?
The surname Pelton 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 5,753 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Pelton ranks as the #5,980 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Pelton come from?
The Pelton 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 Pelton name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Pelton 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 | Pelton |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #5,980 |
| US Count (2010) | 5,753 |
| Per 100K People | 1.95 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Pelton
According to the US Census, the Pelton surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 5,753 Americans with the Pelton last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 92.44% |
| Black | 2.85% |
| Hispanic | 2.35% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.61% |
| Native American | 0.66% |
| Two or More Races | 1.1% |
Popularity of Pelton Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Pelton surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Pelton surname increased by 576 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Pelton Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Pelton ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
The Complete Story of the Pelton Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Pelton Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Pelton
- ✓ The Pelton coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Pelton families live today
- ✓ Notable Pelton bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
🎁 A heritage keepsake to pass down — perfect as a gift.
Similar Surnames to Pelton
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Pelton.
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 Pelton.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pelton
Top Surnames Starting with P
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter P, ranked by population.
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Pelton surname also look for: