Surname Ashton - Meaning and Origin
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Ashton: A Journey Back to My Roots through iGENEA DNA Test
The iGENEA DNA test profoundly impacted my understanding of my heritage and surname, Ashton. Granting me insights into my Celtic roots, the Southern European connection, and powerful Jewish lineage, it has transformed Ashton from a mere surname into a symbol of a rich legacy.
J. Ashton
read moreAshton: What does the surname Ashton mean?
The surname Ashton is of English origin and derives from a place name, meaning it was often given to people who lived or worked in a certain area. The name is believed to be derived from two Old English words: "æsc", meaning ash tree, and "tūn", meaning farm or settlement. Therefore, Ashton can be interpreted as "the ash-tree settlement" or "farm by the ash trees". The name references a common practice in medieval England where towns and villages were often named after local geographical features. There are several places named Ashton in England, particularly in the counties of Devon, Northamptonshire, and Lancashire, which could have given rise to the surname. Today, the name is found in many English-speaking countries around the world.
Order DNA origin analysisAshton: Where does the name Ashton come from?
The last name Ashton is of Old English origin and derives from "aesc" and “tun, which mean "ash tree" and "settlement" respectively. Therefore, it signifies a place or village where ash trees are common. It initially appeared as a place name, given to towns in England that had significant ash tree populations.
As a surname, Ashton was often assigned to persons originating from any of these regions. There are numerous locations with the name Ashton in England, including in Northamptonshire, Greater Manchester, and Devon; hence, the surname is quite widespread in England.
Ashton has also spread to English-speaking countries due to British colonization and immigration. It is common in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In the United States, the surname is most prevalent in Utah, but also quite common in other states. Though the name carries the origin trace from England, the frequent global displacement resulted in its worldwide distribution today.
In popular culture, it is most commonly associated with Ashton Kutcher, an American actor and producer. Overall, Ashton remains a reasonably common surname in English-speaking regions.
Variations of the surname Ashton
There are several variations and different spellings for the surname Ashton, which is of English origin and typically denotes a place of origins in the town or village of Ashton. This name is derived from Old English 'aesc' (ash) and 'tun' (settlement or town).
Some variation of surnames are for example: Ashtun, Ashten, Ashtin, Ashtone, and Ashtown. Other family names that are also believed to have stemmed from a similar geographical origin include Asthon, Asshton, Haston, Asheton, Asten, and many others.
As with most surnames, their spellings have often changed over centuries due to factors such as regional dialects, literacy levels, and the process of linguistic evolution.
It's crucial to note that the specific variations and spellings can vary widely, and while these names might be connected, each could also have distinct origins or histories based on different families and their unique genealogical lines.
Moreover, surnames can often provide clues about a family's history and migration patterns, but they are not always entirely accurate, as names can be adapted, changed, or translated when families move to new regions or countries.
Famous people with the name Ashton
- Ashton Kutcher: Known for his roles in "That '70's Show" and "Two and a Half Men", Kutcher is also a successful producer and entrepreneur.
- John Ashton: An American actor, best recognized for his roles in movies like "Beverly Hills Cop", "Midnight Run" and "Gone Baby Gone".
- Frederick Ashton: A famous British choreographer, and a founder choreographer of the Royal Ballet in London.
- Ashton Carter: Served as the 25th Secretary of Defense of the United States from 2015 to 2017.
- Jane Ashton: A prominent TV producer, particularly known for her work on shows like "The Apprentice UK" and "The Great British Bake Off".
- Ashton Agar: An Australian cricketer who plays all formats of the game at international level.
- Ashton Shepherd: An American country music singer and songwriter who has released several studio albums.
- Ruth Ashton: An Australian swimmer who represented her country in the 1948 Summer Olympics.
- Ashton Eaton: A top performing American athlete who specializes in decathlon and holds the world record in both the decathlon and indoor heptathlon events.
- Ashton Holmes: An American actor, known for his roles in "Revenge" and "The Pacific".