Origin & Meaning of the Wharton Surname
What does the last name Wharton mean?
The surname Wharton 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 11,656 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Wharton ranks as the #3,084 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Wharton come from?
The Wharton 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 Wharton name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Wharton 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 | Wharton |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,084 |
| US Count (2010) | 11,656 |
| Per 100K People | 3.95 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Wharton
According to the US Census, the Wharton surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 11,656 Americans with the Wharton last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 73.32% |
| Black | 20.03% |
| Hispanic | 2.81% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.75% |
| Native American | 0.45% |
| Two or More Races | 2.63% |
Popularity of Wharton Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Wharton surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Wharton surname increased by 302 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Wharton
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