Surname Alton - Meaning and Origin
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Alton: What does the surname Alton mean?
The surname Alton is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is a locational name, meaning it is derived from the name of a place. Alton is a popular town and parish name in the UK, with locations in Hampshire, Staffordshire, and Wiltshire, among others. The name Alton is thought to have originally meant "farmstead at the source of the river" or "old town" from the Old English elements "æwiell" (source of a river, spring) and "tun" (enclosure, settlement, town). It could also potentially derive from "alda" (old) and "tun." Locational surnames like Alton were typically given to the lord of the manor or estate or to people who had moved from that location to another area. Over time, the surname spread from the UK to other English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Order DNA origin analysisAlton: Where does the name Alton come from?
The surname Alton has English roots, originating from a series of places named Alton in Hampshire, Staffordshire, and other locations in England. The name is derived from Old English "eald" meaning old and "tun" meaning farm or settlement. Thus, its primary significance could be 'old farm' or 'old settlement.'
The Alton surname, like many English surnames, got dispersed widely due to British colonization efforts. Therefore, it can be found in countries where the British historically settled, including but not limited to the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
However, as of today, the Alton surname is still most prevalent in England, specifically in or around the regions where the places named Alton are situated. Additionally, the name also enjoys a reasonable degree of prevalence in the United States. Its frequency, nevertheless, is relatively less compared to many other surnames.
Variations of the surname Alton
The surname Alton is of Anglo-Saxon origin and has a few variations in spelling including Allton, Aleton, Elton, Altona, Alten, and Althon. Other versions might also include Alden or Aldon, due to slight pronunciation variations over time and geographical area. The spelling can also be affected by translation into different languages, for instance, Alton becomes Altonov in certain Slavic languages. Alshton, Allaton, Altan and Alotin could also be variations, though less common. Some surnames that may share the same origin due to regional or dialect influences are Altman, Altham, Althom, Althouse, and Altnor. Please note though that these might also have distinct separate origins. The name Alton is derived from Old English words "ald," which means old, and "tun," which means settlement or homestead, so it's important to consider this when identifying related surnames.
Famous people with the name Alton
- Alton Brown: He is a famous American television personality, food show presenter, chef, and author who is best known for his work in the series "Good Eats."
- Alton Ellis: He was a prominent Jamaican musician and one of the innovators of rocksteady music, which was a predecessor to reggae.
- Alton Tobey: He was a well-known American artist, muralist, and teacher whose work is displayed in important museums and collections globally.
- Alton Mason: He is an American model who has walked the runway for numerous high-profile fashion brands.
- Alton Parker: He was an American lawyer and judge who was the Democratic nominee for President in 1904, but lost to Theodore Roosevelt.
- Alton B. Parker: He was a prominent American jurist and the Democratic nominee for President in 1904.
- Alton Glenn Miller: He was a famous American big-band trombonist, arranger, composer, and bandleader in the swing era, commonly known just as Glenn Miller.
- Clive Alton: A British entrepreneur who was CEO of Dunlop Slazenger.
- John Alton: An American cinematographer who was famous for his work in noir films in the 1940s and 1950s.
- Theo Alton: A Canadian stockbroker who co-founded the Alton company.
- Deborah Alton: An English actress known for her roles in British television shows.