Origin & Meaning of the Pennington Surname
What does the last name Pennington mean?
The surname Pennington 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 40,854 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Pennington ranks as the #846 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Pennington come from?
The Pennington 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 Pennington name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Pennington 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 | Pennington |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #846 |
| US Count (2010) | 40,854 |
| Per 100K People | 13.85 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Pennington
According to the US Census, the Pennington surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 40,854 Americans with the Pennington last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 87.86% |
| Black | 7.23% |
| Hispanic | 2.2% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.41% |
| Native American | 0.53% |
| Two or More Races | 1.76% |
Popularity of Pennington Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Pennington surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Pennington surname increased by 515 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Pennington
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Pennington.
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 Pennington.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennington
Top Surnames Starting with P
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter P, ranked by population.
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