Origin & Meaning of the Wilkinson Surname
What does the last name Wilkinson mean?
The surname Wilkinson carries the meaning "Son of Wilkin." 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 53,739 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Wilkinson ranks as the #634 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Wilkinson come from?
The Wilkinson 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 Wilkinson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Wilkinson 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 | Wilkinson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Wilkin |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #634 |
| US Count (2010) | 53,739 |
| Per 100K People | 18.22 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Wilkinson
According to the US Census, the Wilkinson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 53,739 Americans with the Wilkinson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 88.16% |
| Black | 6.52% |
| Hispanic | 2.36% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.63% |
| Native American | 0.61% |
| Two or More Races | 1.74% |
Popularity of Wilkinson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Wilkinson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Wilkinson surname increased by 1,256 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Wilkinson Ancestry
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The Complete Story of the Wilkinson Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Wilkinson
- ✓ The Wilkinson coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Wilkinson families live today
- ✓ Notable Wilkinson bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Wilkinson
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Wilkinson.
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 Wilkinson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wilkinson
Top Surnames Starting with W
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter W, ranked by population.
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