Origin & Meaning of the Tomlinson Surname
What does the last name Tomlinson mean?
The surname Tomlinson carries the meaning "Son of Tomlin." 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 25,274 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Tomlinson ranks as the #1,407 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Tomlinson come from?
The Tomlinson 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 Tomlinson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Tomlinson 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 | Tomlinson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Tomlin |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,407 |
| US Count (2010) | 25,274 |
| Per 100K People | 8.57 |
| First Letter | T |
Ethnic Distribution of Tomlinson
According to the US Census, the Tomlinson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 25,274 Americans with the Tomlinson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 83.64% |
| Black | 10.32% |
| Hispanic | 2.99% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.65% |
| Native American | 0.55% |
| Two or More Races | 1.85% |
Popularity of Tomlinson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Tomlinson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Tomlinson surname increased by 1,164 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Tomlinson Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Tomlinson ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Tomlinson
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Tomlinson.
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 Tomlinson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tomlinson
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Tomlinson surname also look for: