Explore the Family Name Pardon

The meaning of Pardon

1. English: from Middle English pardoun, pardon(e) ‘forgiveness, pardon of wrongdoing’ (Old French pardon, perdon), sometimes a metonymic occupational name for a pardoner, a person licensed to sell papal pardons or indulgences. 2. German: either a cognate of 1 (also for a sexton), from Old French pardon ‘pardon’, or perhaps a nickname from Middle Low German bardūn, Middle High German purdūne ‘pipe’ (instrument), ‘tenor’ (voice).

Dictionary of American Family Names, 2nd edition, © Oxford University Press, 2022.

How common is the last name Pardon in the United States?

Based on data from the Decennial U.S. Census, the popularity of the surname "Pardon" has seen a notable increase between 2000 and 2010. In 2000, it was ranked 23,698th in terms of commonality and rose to the 20,996th position by 2010, marking an 11.4% change. The number of individuals with this surname also grew by 25.68%, jumping from 997 in 2000 to 1,253 in 2010. Additionally, the proportion per 100,000 residents increased by 13.51%, moving from 0.37 to 0.42.

20002010Change
Rank#23,698#20,99611.4%
Count9971,25325.68%
Proportion per 100k0.370.4213.51%

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Pardon

When considering the ethnic identity associated with the surname "Pardon", the Decennial U.S. Census data reveals several shifts between 2000 and 2010. The percentage of individuals identifying as White decreased slightly from 82.55% to 79.01%. The Hispanic representation, however, saw a substantial increase of 41.99%, moving from 8.43% to 11.97%. There was a small increase in those identifying as Black, up 7.09% to 5.59%. The group recognizing themselves as having two or more races experienced a decline of 32.57%, reducing its share to 1.76%. Lastly, the Asian/Pacific Islander and American Indian and Alaskan Native categories both registered changes, with the former moving from 0 to 1.28% and the latter recording a new contribution at 0.40%.

20002010Change
White82.55%79.01%-4.29%
Hispanic8.43%11.97%41.99%
Black5.22%5.59%7.09%
Two or More Races2.61%1.76%-32.57%
Asian/Pacific Islander0%1.28%0%
American Indian and Alaskan Native0%0.4%0%