Origin & Meaning of the Tarkington Surname
What does the last name Tarkington mean?
The surname Tarkington 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 1,809 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Tarkington ranks as the #16,031 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Tarkington come from?
The Tarkington 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 Tarkington name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Tarkington 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 | Tarkington |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #16,031 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,809 |
| Per 100K People | 0.61 |
| First Letter | T |
Ethnic Distribution of Tarkington
According to the US Census, the Tarkington surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,809 Americans with the Tarkington last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 79.82% |
| Black | 12.94% |
| Hispanic | 3.1% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.28% |
| Native American | 1.44% |
| Two or More Races | 2.43% |
Popularity of Tarkington Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Tarkington surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Tarkington surname increased by 258 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tarkington
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