Wilkerson — Last Name Origin & Meaning

English origin Rank #719 in the US 48,444 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#719
▼ Down 49 since 2000
People in the US
48,444
16.42 per 100K people
Origin
English
Old English

Origin & Meaning of the Wilkerson Surname

What does the last name Wilkerson mean?

The surname Wilkerson carries the meaning "Son of Wilker." 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 48,444 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Wilkerson ranks as the #719 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Wilkerson come from?

The Wilkerson 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 Wilkerson name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Wilkerson 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.

English Old English

Quick Facts

Surname Wilkerson
Meaning Son of Wilker
Origin English
Language Old English
US Rank (2010) #719
US Count (2010) 48,444
Per 100K People 16.42
First Letter W

Ethnic Distribution of Wilkerson

According to the US Census, the Wilkerson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 48,444 Americans with the Wilkerson last name.

White 64.68%
Black 29.39%
Hispanic 2.27%
Asian/PI 0.45%
Native American 0.61%
Two+ Races 2.59%
Ethnic distribution of the Wilkerson surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White64.68%
Black29.39%
Hispanic2.27%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.45%
Native American0.61%
Two or More Races2.59%

Popularity of Wilkerson Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Wilkerson surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#670
46,605 people
Down 49
Census 2010
#719
48,444 people

The number of Americans with the Wilkerson surname increased by 1,839 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Wilkerson Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Wilkerson ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

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Similar Surnames to Wilkerson

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Wilkerson.

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 Wilkerson.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wilkerson

The surname Wilkerson is of English origin. Son of Wilker
The surname Wilkerson is ranked #719 in the United States with approximately 48,444 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
Son of Wilker. The name has English roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Wilkerson surname is distributed as: 64.7% White, 29.4% Black. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Wilkerson ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

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