Origin & Meaning of the Penson Surname
What does the last name Penson mean?
The surname Penson carries the meaning "Son of Pen." 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 1,891 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Penson ranks as the #15,483 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Penson come from?
The Penson 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 Penson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Penson 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 | Penson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Pen |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #15,483 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,891 |
| Per 100K People | 0.64 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Penson
According to the US Census, the Penson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,891 Americans with the Penson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 37.23% |
| Black | 51.24% |
| Hispanic | 5.29% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 2.27% |
| Native American | 0.74% |
| Two or More Races | 3.23% |
Popularity of Penson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Penson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Penson surname increased by 334 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Penson Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Penson
- ✓ The Penson coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Penson families live today
- ✓ Notable Penson bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Penson
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Penson.
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 Penson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Penson
Top Surnames Starting with P
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter P, ranked by population.
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