Origin & Meaning of the Stephenson Surname
What does the last name Stephenson mean?
The surname Stephenson carries the meaning "Son of Stephen." 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 47,641 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Stephenson ranks as the #733 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Stephenson come from?
The Stephenson 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 Stephenson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Stephenson 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 | Stephenson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Stephen |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #733 |
| US Count (2010) | 47,641 |
| Per 100K People | 16.15 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Stephenson
According to the US Census, the Stephenson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 47,641 Americans with the Stephenson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 80.06% |
| Black | 13.96% |
| Hispanic | 2.65% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.61% |
| Native American | 0.69% |
| Two or More Races | 2.04% |
Popularity of Stephenson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Stephenson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Stephenson surname increased by 979 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Stephenson
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