Origin & Meaning of the Sutherland Surname
What does the last name Sutherland mean?
The surname Sutherland carries the meaning "From a specific area of land." 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 29,585 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Sutherland ranks as the #1,195 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Sutherland come from?
The Sutherland 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 Sutherland name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Sutherland 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 | Sutherland |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a specific area of land |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,195 |
| US Count (2010) | 29,585 |
| Per 100K People | 10.03 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Sutherland
According to the US Census, the Sutherland surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 29,585 Americans with the Sutherland last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 83.46% |
| Black | 9.94% |
| Hispanic | 3.24% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.69% |
| Native American | 1.05% |
| Two or More Races | 1.6% |
Popularity of Sutherland Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Sutherland surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Sutherland surname increased by 1,168 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sutherland
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