Origin & Meaning of the Sheldon Surname
What does the last name Sheldon mean?
The surname Sheldon carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 19,339 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Sheldon ranks as the #1,855 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Sheldon come from?
The Sheldon surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European 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 Sheldon name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Sheldon trace back to European. 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 | Sheldon |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,855 |
| US Count (2010) | 19,339 |
| Per 100K People | 6.56 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Sheldon
According to the US Census, the Sheldon surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 19,339 Americans with the Sheldon last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 90.74% |
| Black | 1.84% |
| Hispanic | 2.58% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.87% |
| Native American | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 2.37% |
Popularity of Sheldon Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Sheldon surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Sheldon surname increased by 93 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sheldon
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