Origin & Meaning of the Washington Surname
What does the last name Washington mean?
The surname Washington 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 177,386 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Washington ranks as the #145 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Washington come from?
The Washington 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 Washington name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Washington 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 | Washington |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #145 |
| US Count (2010) | 177,386 |
| Per 100K People | 60.14 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Washington
According to the US Census, the Washington surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 177,386 Americans with the Washington last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 5.17% |
| Black | 87.53% |
| Hispanic | 2.54% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.3% |
| Native American | 0.68% |
| Two or More Races | 3.78% |
Popularity of Washington Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Washington surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Washington surname increased by 14,350 between 2000 and 2010.
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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 Washington.
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington
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