Origin & Meaning of the Thornburg Surname
What does the last name Thornburg mean?
The surname Thornburg carries the meaning "Castle or fortified town." It is derived from the German language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 7,309 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Thornburg ranks as the #4,827 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Thornburg come from?
The Thornburg surname has its roots in German heritage. Names of German 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 Thornburg name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Thornburg trace back to German. 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 | Thornburg |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Castle or fortified town |
| Origin | German |
| Language | German |
| US Rank (2010) | #4,827 |
| US Count (2010) | 7,309 |
| Per 100K People | 2.48 |
| First Letter | T |
Ethnic Distribution of Thornburg
According to the US Census, the Thornburg surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 7,309 Americans with the Thornburg last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 92.6% |
| Black | 1.27% |
| Hispanic | 2.91% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.48% |
| Native American | 1.14% |
| Two or More Races | 1.6% |
Popularity of Thornburg Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Thornburg surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Thornburg surname increased by 153 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other German Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Thornburg
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