The Carlson Family History

What Does the Carlson Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname has its roots in early 4th century Germany. Deriving from the personal names ‘Karl’ or ‘Carl,’ it translates to ‘man.’ In Middle English, a related form was ‘ceorl,’ which denoted a farmer or bondsman. The surname Carlson can trace its origins to other given names, including Carlo and Charles. Variants of the surname include Carlson, Charlson, Charlesson, Charleston, and Charlestone. In Danish and Norwegian contexts, the name is rendered as ‘Carlsen,’ while in Swedish, it appears as ‘Carlsson.’ The Carlson lineage is predominantly found in Sweden and Norway, with significant populations in England, particularly in Yorkshire and London. In the United States, families bearing the Carlson name are primarily located in the Upper Midwest, especially in Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa, where many were engaged in agricultural pursuits during the 1880s. Notable individuals with the surname include Richard Carlson, an accomplished actor, television and film director, and screenwriter; Don V. Carlson, a professional basketball player; Veronica Carlson, a renowned English model and actress; George L. Carlson, a cartoonist; Chester F. Carlson, the inventor of the Xerox copying process; Arne Helge Carlson, Jr., who served as Governor of Minnesota from 1991 to 1999; and Kyle and Lane Carlson, male fashion models who are twins.