Farnsworth
From an English place name meaning "fern enclosure" or "enclosure among the ferns."
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 14,190 Americans carry the last name Farnsworth. That puts it at #2,939 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 4.14 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 24,155 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Farnsworth surname. You will find the Census Bureau frequency data, an ancestry and ethnicity breakdown based on self-reported demographics, the name's meaning and origin where available, and answers to the most common questions people ask about this surname.
Bearers in the US
14K
1 in 24,155
Census rank
#2,939
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
4.1
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
12K
uncommon in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 12,203 bearers of the surname Farnsworth in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 4.14 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 2939th position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Farnsworth, the largest self-reported group is White at 95.0%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (2.4%) and Two or More Races (1.3%).
Origin
Meaning and origin of Farnsworth
The surname Farnsworth originated in England, specifically in the county of Yorkshire. It is believed to have derived from the Old English words "fearn" meaning fern and "worth" meaning an enclosed settlement or farm. This suggests that the name likely referred to a person who lived near a fern-covered enclosure or farm.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Farnsworth can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive record of landowners and properties in England compiled in 1086 by order of William the Conqueror. The name appears as "Farneswurthe," indicating its long-standing presence in the region.
The Farnsworth family has a rich history, with notable members appearing in various records throughout the centuries. One such individual was Sir Thomas Farnsworth, a prominent landowner and military commander who lived in the 16th century. He played a significant role in the Wars of the Roses, supporting the House of Lancaster.
Another notable figure was John Farnsworth, born in 1616, who was one of the early settlers in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He is believed to have arrived in America in the late 1630s and became a respected member of the community in Groton, Massachusetts.
In the 18th century, Benjamin Farnsworth, born in 1754, served as a soldier in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He fought in several major battles, including the Battle of Saratoga, and his bravery and dedication were widely recognized.
The 19th century saw the rise of Isaac Farnsworth, born in 1808, who was a successful businessman and inventor. He is credited with developing several innovative farming implements, including an early version of the modern hay rake.
Moving into the 20th century, Philo T. Farnsworth, born in 1906, made a significant contribution to the world of technology. He is best known for his pioneering work in the development of the electronic television system, earning him the title of "the father of electronic television."
These are just a few examples of notable individuals with the surname Farnsworth, highlighting the rich history and diverse accomplishments associated with this name throughout the centuries.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Farnsworth
Among Census respondents with the surname Farnsworth, the largest self-reported group is White at 95.0%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (2.4%) and Two or More Races (1.3%).
The bar chart below shows how Farnsworth bearers described their own race and ethnicity on the 2010 Census form. The Census Bureau groups responses into six broad categories: White, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Two or More Races. When a category has too few respondents for a given surname, the Bureau suppresses the figure to protect individual privacy, which is why some names show fewer than six slices.
Keep in mind that these are self-reported numbers. A person's surname does not determine their race or ethnicity, and the distribution you see here reflects the specific population who happened to carry the Farnsworth surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- White95.0%
- Hispanic or Latino2.4%
- Two or more races1.3%
- Asian and Pacific Islander0.5%
- Black or African American0.5%
- American Indian and Alaska Native0.4%
Year on year
2010 vs 2010 Census
How has the Farnsworth surname changed between Census years? The chart shows bearer count side by side, and the table compares rank, count, and frequency.
Census year comparison
| Metric | 2010 | 2010 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #2,939 | #2,939 | 0.0% |
| Count | 12,203 | 12,203 | 0.0% |
| Per 100K | 4.14 | 4.14 | 0.0% |
Between the 2010 and 2010 Census, the number of Farnsworth bearers went from 12,203 to 12,203 (+0.0% change). The surname held its position in the national ranking, going from #2,939 to #2,939.
Notable bearers
Famous people with the surname Farnsworth
FAQ
Farnsworth surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Farnsworth?
The surname Farnsworth holds position #2,939 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 14,190 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 4.14 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Farnsworth surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Farnsworth, the largest self-reported group is White at 95.0%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (2.4%) and Two or More Races (1.3%). These figures come from the 2010 Census Bureau surname tables, based on how respondents described their own race and ethnicity.
Where does this surname data come from?
All surname statistics on Name Census are drawn from the US Census Bureau's decennial surname frequency tables. These tables list every surname that appeared 100 or more times in the 2010 Census, along with a frequency rate and self-reported demographic breakdown. You can read the full explanation on our methodology page.