Origin & Meaning of the Simpson Surname
What does the last name Simpson mean?
The surname Simpson carries the meaning "Son of Simp." 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 163,181 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Simpson ranks as the #158 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Simpson come from?
The Simpson 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 Simpson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Simpson 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 | Simpson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Simp |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #158 |
| US Count (2010) | 163,181 |
| Per 100K People | 55.32 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Simpson
According to the US Census, the Simpson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 163,181 Americans with the Simpson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 70.78% |
| Black | 23.09% |
| Hispanic | 2.53% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.53% |
| Native American | 0.78% |
| Two or More Races | 2.3% |
Popularity of Simpson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Simpson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Simpson surname increased by 4,940 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Simpson
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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 Simpson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Simpson
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