Carlson is a surname of Scandinavian origin, derived from the given name Carl, meaning “free man”. It is a common surname in Sweden and Finland, and has spread to other parts of the world through immigration. Notable individuals with the surname Carlson include American TV journalist Tucker Carlson, Swedish physicist Nils Carlson, and Finnish footballer Riku Carlson. The Carlson family is also associated with the Carlson Companies, a global travel and hospitality company. Overall, the surname Carlson is a testament to the enduring influence of Scandinavian culture and history.