Origin & Meaning of the Ralston Surname
What does the last name Ralston mean?
The surname Ralston 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 12,302 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Ralston ranks as the #2,914 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Ralston come from?
The Ralston 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 Ralston name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Ralston 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 | Ralston |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,914 |
| US Count (2010) | 12,302 |
| Per 100K People | 4.17 |
| First Letter | R |
Ethnic Distribution of Ralston
According to the US Census, the Ralston surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 12,302 Americans with the Ralston last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 90.6% |
| Black | 3.6% |
| Hispanic | 2.54% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.67% |
| Native American | 0.88% |
| Two or More Races | 1.71% |
Popularity of Ralston Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Ralston surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Ralston surname increased by 226 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ralston
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