Origin & Meaning of the Scott Surname
What does the last name Scott mean?
The surname Scott carries the meaning "A person from Scotland, or a speaker of Gaelic." 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 439,530 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Scott ranks as the #36 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Scott come from?
The Scott surname has its roots in English/Scottish heritage. Names of English/Scottish 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 Scott name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Scott 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 | Scott |
|---|---|
| Meaning | A person from Scotland, or a speaker of Gaelic |
| Origin | English/Scottish |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #36 |
| US Count (2010) | 439,530 |
| Per 100K People | 149.0 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Scott
According to the US Census, the Scott surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 439,530 Americans with the Scott last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 60.21% |
| Black | 32.92% |
| Hispanic | 2.58% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.51% |
| Native American | 1.18% |
| Two or More Races | 2.59% |
Popularity of Scott Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Scott surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Scott surname increased by 19,439 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Scott
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Other English/Scottish Surnames
Explore more surnames with English/Scottish roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English/Scottish origin as Scott.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scott
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