Origin & Meaning of the Pendleton Surname
What does the last name Pendleton mean?
The surname Pendleton 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 16,751 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Pendleton ranks as the #2,168 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Pendleton come from?
The Pendleton 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 Pendleton name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Pendleton 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 | Pendleton |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,168 |
| US Count (2010) | 16,751 |
| Per 100K People | 5.68 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Pendleton
According to the US Census, the Pendleton surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 16,751 Americans with the Pendleton last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 72.94% |
| Black | 21.05% |
| Hispanic | 2.41% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.66% |
| Native American | 0.88% |
| Two or More Races | 2.07% |
Popularity of Pendleton Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Pendleton surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Pendleton surname increased by 725 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pendleton
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