Origin & Meaning of the Rasmussen Surname
What does the last name Rasmussen mean?
The surname Rasmussen carries the meaning "Son of Rasmus." 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 36,636 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Rasmussen ranks as the #947 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Rasmussen come from?
The Rasmussen 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 Rasmussen name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Rasmussen 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 | Rasmussen |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Rasmus |
| Origin | Scandinavian |
| Language | Old Norse |
| US Rank (2010) | #947 |
| US Count (2010) | 36,636 |
| Per 100K People | 12.42 |
| First Letter | R |
Ethnic Distribution of Rasmussen
According to the US Census, the Rasmussen surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 36,636 Americans with the Rasmussen last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.55% |
| Black | 0.27% |
| Hispanic | 2.58% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.82% |
| Native American | 0.35% |
| Two or More Races | 1.43% |
Popularity of Rasmussen Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Rasmussen surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Rasmussen surname increased by 1,183 between 2000 and 2010.
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- ✓ The Rasmussen coat of arms & heraldry
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Similar Surnames to Rasmussen
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Rasmussen.
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 Rasmussen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rasmussen
Top Surnames Starting with R
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter R, ranked by population.
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