Origin & Meaning of the Townsend Surname
What does the last name Townsend mean?
The surname Townsend carries the meaning "Origin and meaning under research." It is derived from the Unknown language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 69,360 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Townsend ranks as the #483 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Townsend come from?
The Townsend surname has its roots in Unknown heritage. Names of Unknown 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 Townsend name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Townsend trace back to Unknown. 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 | Townsend |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Origin and meaning under research |
| Origin | Unknown |
| Language | Unknown |
| US Rank (2010) | #483 |
| US Count (2010) | 69,360 |
| Per 100K People | 23.51 |
| First Letter | T |
Ethnic Distribution of Townsend
According to the US Census, the Townsend surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 69,360 Americans with the Townsend last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 67.7% |
| Black | 26.42% |
| Hispanic | 2.38% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.47% |
| Native American | 0.79% |
| Two or More Races | 2.25% |
Popularity of Townsend Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Townsend surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Townsend surname increased by 2,507 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Unknown Surnames
Explore more surnames with Unknown roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Unknown origin as Townsend.
Frequently Asked Questions About Townsend
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