Surname Aston - Meaning and Origin
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Astonishing Aston: An Emotional Journey through iGENEA DNA Test
Embarking on the iGENEA DNA test innately shaped a deeper understanding and appreciation for my ancestral roots. The Aston surname carries a rich heritage that connects me to the Ancient Romans, sparking profound pride and giving a new perspective to family history.
S. Aston
read moreAston: What does the surname Aston mean?
The surname Aston is derived from the Old English word for "east town", which represents a settlement located near a river to the east of a larger village. It is thought to refer to the ancient Roman town of Uriconium, which was near a ford in the nearby River Severn. The name is recorded in a number of ancient documents, such as the Domesday Book of 1086.
The Aston surname is found throughout the British Isles and beyond, in places such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the USA. It began to spread worldwide during the 18th century, when people left England in search of new opportunities.
Despite its ancient and widespread distribution, the Aston name is associated with the English Midlands, where there has been a strong presence since the medieval period. Aston Hall in Birmingham is an example of a large house associated with the Aston family.
The Aston name can still be found today, with many people bearing the surname living in the Midlands and in other parts of the world. It is an old, but enduring, family name which reflects a shared history and culture.
Order DNA origin analysisAston: Where does the name Aston come from?
The last name Aston is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, particularly around the Midlands region and West Midlands region. The name Aston has its roots in the Old English and Anglo-Saxon languages, and is thought to refer to an enclosed farmstead or settlement. Census records in the 19th century show that the Aston name was most prevalent in Worcestershire and Staffordshire, though it is found throughout the United Kingdom.
The Aston name is still relatively common in the United Kingdom today. For instance, it is the 221st most common surname in the country as of 2018. Further, according to the 1881 census, Aston is the 8th most common surname in Worcestershire, and the 221st most common surname in Staffordshire.
Outside of the UK, Aston is less prevalent. However, it can still be found in the US and Canada. According to the US census, there were almost 700 Aston families living in the US in 1880. By 2018, the number had increased to almost 2,000, with the largest number living in California. The Aston name is also present in Canada, with almost 150 people bearing this name recorded in the 1896 census.
Variations of the surname Aston
The surname Aston is derived from the English place name of the same spelling, which was first found in Warwickshire during the 11th century. This toponymic surname is therefore also known as a locational surname, meaning that it typically originates from a location or places that a family lived in.
Variants of this surname include Asten, Oston and Easton. The spellings Aston and Asten are generally similar, but the latter more commonly appears as an Americanized spelling. Other variants may include Awston, Easterne or Astune.
Modern examples of surnames derived from the same origin as Aston include Easton, Essington and Eastwick. There is also the Scottish surname of Essonton, derived from “Essington” in Midlothian.
In Ireland, the surnames Aston and Estun, stemming from similar roots, can both be found in Ulster. Here the surname was first found in County Monaghan, where the family were established in ancient times.
It is also possible that Aston could be a derivative of the Olde English pre-seventh century personal name Aethelstan, which consists of two elements, “Aethel” meaning noble, and “stan” which translates to stone.
Overall, the varieties, spellings, and surnames of Aston are diverse and can even emerge from the same location. Aston is an old surname, holding a long and varied history.
Famous people with the name Aston
- Emma Aston: British actress best known for her role in Eastenders
- George Aston: American professional football player
- Michael Aston: English guitarist and co-founder of the band Gene Loves Jezebel
- Dick Aston: British stage, television, and film actor
- Mark Aston: English professional rugby league footballer
- Asa Aston: English rugby league footballer
- James Aston: English artist and painter
- Margot Aston: British actress
- Harrison Aston: British diver and Olympic medalist
- Jack Aston: English cricketer