Origin & Meaning of the Pinkerton Surname
What does the last name Pinkerton mean?
The surname Pinkerton 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 8,446 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Pinkerton ranks as the #4,195 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Pinkerton come from?
The Pinkerton 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 Pinkerton name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Pinkerton 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 | Pinkerton |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #4,195 |
| US Count (2010) | 8,446 |
| Per 100K People | 2.86 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Pinkerton
According to the US Census, the Pinkerton surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 8,446 Americans with the Pinkerton last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 90.99% |
| Black | 3.39% |
| Hispanic | 2.04% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.82% |
| Native American | 0.96% |
| Two or More Races | 1.81% |
Popularity of Pinkerton Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Pinkerton surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Pinkerton surname increased by 282 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Pinkerton Family
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- ✓ The Pinkerton coat of arms & heraldry
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Similar Surnames to Pinkerton
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Pinkerton.
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 Pinkerton.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pinkerton
Top Surnames Starting with P
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter P, ranked by population.
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