Origin & Meaning of the Thornton Surname
What does the last name Thornton mean?
The surname Thornton 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 83,967 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Thornton ranks as the #373 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Thornton come from?
The Thornton 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 Thornton name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Thornton 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 | Thornton |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #373 |
| US Count (2010) | 83,967 |
| Per 100K People | 28.47 |
| First Letter | T |
Ethnic Distribution of Thornton
According to the US Census, the Thornton surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 83,967 Americans with the Thornton last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 67.42% |
| Black | 27.08% |
| Hispanic | 2.06% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.46% |
| Native American | 0.62% |
| Two or More Races | 2.34% |
Popularity of Thornton Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Thornton surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Thornton surname increased by 2,776 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Thornton
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