Carlson Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Carlson come from? What does the surname Carlson mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Carlson and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Carlson Origin: What does the last name Carlson mean?
The Carlson surname is a patronymic name, meaning "son of Carl". It is primarily associated with England, United Kingdom, with records dating back to the early 15th century. Over time, the Carlson surname has spread globally, with significant presence in the United States by the 19th century. Today, it remains prominent in various countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States.
Carlson Last Name History: Where did the last name Carlson come from?
Origin of Carlson Surname: Where does the last name Carlson originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Carlson first appeared in records from England, United Kingdom, around the early 15th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact “Carlson” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Carlson: What does the Carlson surname history look like in the early days?
The “Carlson” surname remained closely associated with England, United Kingdom, from the 15th through the 16th century. YourRoots data also shows Carlson family records in the United States, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Carlson surname today?
By the 19th century, the volume of records with the Carlson surname grew significantly in the United States. By the early 20th century, it had surpassed the United Kingdom, a trend that continued into the 21st century. The “Carlson” surname remains prominent in the United States and other regions worldwide. It appears in many countries, including the United Kingdom and United States.
Explore Carlson last name heritage and Carlson surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Carlson Surame?
Tucker Carlson
Tucker Swanson McNear Carlson (born May 16, 1969) is an American conservative political commentator best known for hosting the nightly political talk show Tucker Carlson Tonight on Fox News. He has also hosted Tucker on X and The Tucker Carlson Show. Carlson has been described as a leading voice of right-wing media and a prominent supporter of Trumpism. His controversial remarks on race, immigration, and women have sparked backlash, leading to advertiser boycotts. Despite his polarizing views, Carlson remains a prominent figure in American media and politics.
Dick Carlson
Richard Warner Carlson (February 10, 1941 – March 24, 2025) was an American journalist, diplomat, and lobbyist known for his work as the director of the Voice of America. He had a diverse career as a newspaper reporter, documentary filmmaker, and television correspondent. Carlson was the father of conservative commentator Tucker Carlson. Born as Richard Anderson, he overcame a challenging childhood, including being placed in an orphanage, before being adopted by the Carlson family. Throughout his career, Carlson made significant contributions to independent and investigative journalism, winning awards for his work. His controversial reporting on various subjects left a lasting impact on the media industry.
Gretchen Carlson
Gretchen Elizabeth Carlson (born Jun 21, 1966) is an American broadcast journalist, writer, and television personality. She gained fame as Miss America 1989 and later worked as a national correspondent and anchor on CBS News and Fox News. Carlson made headlines for her lawsuit against Fox News chairman Roger Ailes for sexual harassment, leading to a settlement and the #MeToo movement. She co-founded Lift Our Voices to advocate against NDAs and forced arbitration in employment agreements. Carlson's advocacy led to the passage of the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act in 2022. She continues to be a prominent voice for women in the workplace.
Amy Carlson
Amy Lynn Carlson (July 7, 1968 - ) is an American actress best known for her roles as Linda Reagan in the CBS series Blue Bloods, Alex Taylor on NBC's Third Watch, and Josie Watts in the soap opera Another World. Born in Illinois, Carlson has appeared in various TV shows and films, including Law & Order and Criminal Minds. She has received critical acclaim for her performances and has won awards for her work in the entertainment industry. Carlson continues to be a prominent figure in Hollywood, showcasing her talent and versatility as an actress.
Kelly Carlson
Kelly Lee Carlson (February 17, 1976) is a former American actress and model best known for her role as Kimber Henry in the FX drama series Nip/Tuck. Raised in Bloomington, Minnesota, she also modeled for various campaigns and appeared in magazines like Maxim and Stuff. Carlson is a spokesperson for Smile Network International and an advocate for animal rights. She transitioned into a recurring role on The CW's Melrose Place sequel after Nip/Tuck ended. Carlson is married to Dan Stanchfield and retired from acting in 2013. She returned for a faith-based film in 2020 and remains involved in various charitable organizations.
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