Origin & Meaning of the Tilson Surname
What does the last name Tilson mean?
The surname Tilson carries the meaning "Son of Til." 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 3,186 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Tilson ranks as the #10,114 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Tilson come from?
The Tilson 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 Tilson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Tilson 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 | Tilson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Til |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #10,114 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,186 |
| Per 100K People | 1.08 |
| First Letter | T |
Ethnic Distribution of Tilson
According to the US Census, the Tilson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,186 Americans with the Tilson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 85.53% |
| Black | 8.88% |
| Hispanic | 2.57% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.41% |
| Native American | 0.72% |
| Two or More Races | 1.88% |
Popularity of Tilson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Tilson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Tilson surname increased by 138 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Tilson
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Tilson.
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 Tilson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tilson
Top Surnames Starting with T
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter T, ranked by population.
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