Origin & Meaning of the Thurston Surname
What does the last name Thurston mean?
The surname Thurston 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 15,234 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Thurston ranks as the #2,385 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Thurston come from?
The Thurston 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 Thurston name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Thurston 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 | Thurston |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,385 |
| US Count (2010) | 15,234 |
| Per 100K People | 5.16 |
| First Letter | T |
Ethnic Distribution of Thurston
According to the US Census, the Thurston surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 15,234 Americans with the Thurston last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 84.88% |
| Black | 10.33% |
| Hispanic | 2.1% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.58% |
| Native American | 0.33% |
| Two or More Races | 1.78% |
Popularity of Thurston Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Thurston surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Thurston surname increased by 316 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Thurston Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Thurston
- ✓ The Thurston coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Thurston families live today
- ✓ Notable Thurston bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Thurston
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Thurston.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Thurston.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thurston
Top Surnames Starting with T
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter T, ranked by population.
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