The origin of the surname Carlson is Schleswig-Holstein, the state further north of Germany.

Most German surnames were developed still during the Holy Roman Empire.
The Carlson name derives from the old German personal name Karl, which derives from the Latin Carolus which referred to an adult male.

Some variations of this family name include: Karlson, Carlson, Karlsen, Carlsen, Karlsson, Karlssen, Carlsson and more.