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.
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.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 91.41% |
| Black | 3.17% |
| Hispanic | 2.4% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.65% |
| Native American | 0.52% |
| Two or More Races | 1.85% |
Popularity of Salisbury Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Salisbury surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Salisbury surname increased by 457 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Salisbury Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Salisbury
- ✓ The Salisbury coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
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- ✓ Notable Salisbury bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings 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
Top Surnames Starting with S
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter S, ranked by population.
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