Surname Burton - Meaning and Origin

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B. Burton

Burton: What does the surname Burton mean?

The surname Burton is of Old English origin, derived from the Old English term "burh-tun" or "burg-tun" which can be roughly translated to "fort settlement" or "town by the fortress." This place-oriented surname suggests that the original bearers likely lived in or were associated with such locations. The name became common as people began to adopt surnames that reflected geographical identifiers, such as their town, village, or local landmarks. Burton is a relatively common name in England due to the prevalence of towns and villages with that name, but it is also found in other English-speaking countries as a result of immigration. The surname indicates a historical connection to one of many places named Burton in England. Notable people with this surname include the actor and director Sir Richard Burton, the filmmaker Tim Burton, and the snowboarder Jake Burton Carpenter.

Burton: Where does the name Burton come from?

The surname Burton has English origins and derives from Old English elements: "burh," which means fortress or fortified town, and "tun," meaning enclosure, yard, or settlement. Thus, it typically referred to someone who lived in or near a fortified town. The name began to appear in various parts of England in the Middle Ages, especially in the counties of Leicestershire and Yorkshire where there are towns named Burton.

Today, the surname Burton is found most commonly in England and the United States. It is especially prevalent in the English Midlands, which aligns with its historical concentration in areas like Leicestershire and Yorkshire. In the United States, Burton is most frequently found in the states of Utah, Delaware, and Alaska according to census data. The spread of the surname in these regions can be attributed to the patterns of emigration from England over several centuries. Its prevalence in Wales and Australia is also notable. Despite its dispersion worldwide, its greatest concentration remains in the United Kingdom.

Variations of the surname Burton

The surname Burton is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is associated with towns and villages across England known as 'Burton'. The name originates from the Old English terms 'burg' (fort) and 'tun' (enclosure, farm), forming 'Burton' which means 'the settlement near the fort'.

Several variations and spellings of Burton can be traced through history, although the phonetic simplicity and well-established nature of the name compared to more complex surnames mean there are fewer. Notable variants include: Borton, Burten, Burdon, Burtin and Burtan. The surnames can be interchanged, as spelling was not standardised in England until after the 16th century.

Morphologically, the surnames Barton, Britton, Bretton and Bruton may seem similar, albeit deriving from different geographical locations or meanings. In some cases, they could be localized adaptations or misinterpretations of the original Burton, thus making usual associations quite complex.

Surname of the same origin would also include those derived from the same Old English elements "burg" or elements related to fortified or enclosed spaces, like the surnames Burtonshaw, Buxton or Burroughs.

Famous people with the name Burton

• Richard Burton: A Welsh actor, famous for his distinctive voice and acting style. He was nominated for an Academy Award seven times and portrayed roles such as Hamlet and King Arthur on stage.
• Tim Burton: An iconic American film director, producer, and artist known for his dark, eccentric, and distinctive style. He's created famous movies like The Nightmare Before Christmas, Edward Scissorhands, and Alice in Wonderland.
• LeVar Burton: An American actor, director, and author known for roles in TV series such as Star Trek: The Next Generation and the iconic educational show, Reading Rainbow.
• Steve Burton: An American actor recognized for his role of Jason Morgan on the soap opera "General Hospital."
• Hilarie Burton: An American actress and producer who is best known for playing Peyton Sawyer on the hit CW show “One Tree Hill”.
• Robert Burton: A 17th century English scholar who wrote the classic book, "The Anatomy of Melancholy."
• William Burton: An American politician, who served as the 39th Governor of Delaware from 1859 to 1863.
• Lance Burton: An American stage magician, famous for his performances in Las Vegas.
• Kate Burton: A Swiss-born British-American actress best known for her work on Broadway and her roles on the television series "Grey's Anatomy" and "Scandal".
• Corey Burton: An American voice actor known for numerous roles in animation, video games, and commercials.

Other surnames

Burtonwood