Salisbury — Last Name Origin & Meaning

English origin Rank #2,768 in the US 13,038 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#2,768
▼ Down 128 since 2000
People in the US
13,038
4.42 per 100K people
Origin
English
Old English

Origin & Meaning of the Salisbury Surname

What does the last name Salisbury mean?

The surname Salisbury carries the meaning "From a fortified place." 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 13,038 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Salisbury ranks as the #2,768 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Salisbury come from?

The Salisbury 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 Salisbury name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Salisbury 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.

English Old English

Quick Facts

Surname Salisbury
Meaning From a fortified place
Origin English
Language Old English
US Rank (2010) #2,768
US Count (2010) 13,038
Per 100K People 4.42
First Letter S

Ethnic Distribution of Salisbury

According to the US Census, the Salisbury surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 13,038 Americans with the Salisbury last name.

White 91.41%
Black 3.17%
Hispanic 2.4%
Asian/PI 0.65%
Native American 0.52%
Two+ Races 1.85%
Ethnic distribution of the Salisbury surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White91.41%
Black3.17%
Hispanic2.4%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.65%
Native American0.52%
Two or More Races1.85%

Popularity of Salisbury Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Salisbury surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#2,640
12,581 people
Down 128
Census 2010
#2,768
13,038 people

The number of Americans with the Salisbury surname increased by 457 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Salisbury Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Salisbury ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

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Similar Surnames to Salisbury

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Salisbury.

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 Salisbury.

Frequently Asked Questions About Salisbury

The surname Salisbury is of English origin. From a fortified place
The surname Salisbury is ranked #2,768 in the United States with approximately 13,038 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
From a fortified place. The name has English roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Salisbury surname is distributed as: 91.4% White. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Salisbury ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

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