Origin & Meaning of the Richardson Surname
What does the last name Richardson mean?
The surname Richardson carries the meaning "Son of Richard." It is derived from the English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 259,798 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Richardson ranks as the #80 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Richardson come from?
The Richardson 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 Richardson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Richardson trace back to 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 | Richardson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Richard |
| Origin | English |
| Language | English |
| US Rank (2010) | #80 |
| US Count (2010) | 259,798 |
| Per 100K People | 88.07 |
| First Letter | R |
Ethnic Distribution of Richardson
According to the US Census, the Richardson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 259,798 Americans with the Richardson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 59.7% |
| Black | 33.63% |
| Hispanic | 2.65% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.48% |
| Native American | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 2.44% |
Popularity of Richardson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Richardson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Richardson surname increased by 10,265 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Richardson Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Richardson ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Richardson Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Richardson
- ✓ The Richardson coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Richardson families live today
- ✓ Notable Richardson bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Richardson
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Richardson.
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 Richardson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Richardson
Top Surnames Starting with R
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter R, ranked by population.
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