Origin & Meaning of the Poulsen Surname
What does the last name Poulsen mean?
The surname Poulsen carries the meaning "Son of Poul." It is derived from the Old Norse language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 3,877 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Poulsen ranks as the #8,496 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Poulsen come from?
The Poulsen surname has its roots in Scandinavian heritage. Names of Scandinavian 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 Poulsen name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Poulsen trace back to Old Norse. 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 | Poulsen |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Poul |
| Origin | Scandinavian |
| Language | Old Norse |
| US Rank (2010) | #8,496 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,877 |
| Per 100K People | 1.31 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Poulsen
According to the US Census, the Poulsen surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,877 Americans with the Poulsen last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.09% |
| Black | 0.23% |
| Hispanic | 3.07% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.9% |
| Native American | 0.44% |
| Two or More Races | 1.26% |
Popularity of Poulsen Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Poulsen surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Poulsen surname increased by 328 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Poulsen Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Poulsen
- ✓ The Poulsen coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Poulsen families live today
- ✓ Notable Poulsen bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Poulsen
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Poulsen.
Other Scandinavian Surnames
Explore more surnames with Scandinavian roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Scandinavian origin as Poulsen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Poulsen
Top Surnames Starting with P
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter P, ranked by population.
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