Origin & Meaning of the Shelton Surname
What does the last name Shelton mean?
The surname Shelton carries the meaning "From a town or settlement." 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 90,517 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Shelton ranks as the #344 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Shelton come from?
The Shelton 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 Shelton name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Shelton 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 | Shelton |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #344 |
| US Count (2010) | 90,517 |
| Per 100K People | 30.69 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Shelton
According to the US Census, the Shelton surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 90,517 Americans with the Shelton last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 73.49% |
| Black | 20.64% |
| Hispanic | 2.23% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.47% |
| Native American | 0.67% |
| Two or More Races | 2.5% |
Popularity of Shelton Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Shelton surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Shelton surname increased by 2,191 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Shelton
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