Surname Button - Meaning and Origin

iGENEA DNA Test Unearths the Global Journey and Rich Cultural Confluence of the Button Surname

Using the iGENEA DNA test, I delved into the deep folds of history tracing the roots of my Button surname. The test unveiled an ancient English origin, tied to early Saxon migrations and linked to Scandinavian ancestry. It also revealed the global journey of the Button family, symbolising the spirit of human exploration and adaptability.

T. Button

Button: What does the surname Button mean?

The surname Button is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from the old French word "Botton" or "Bouton", meaning "button". It was originally used as a nickname in medieval England for individuals who made buttons or had a particular connection to buttons. This could have included sellers of buttons, men who regularly donned decorative buttons on their clothing, or perhaps even made a noteworthy discovery or invention related to buttons. Alternatively, it may have also referred to people living near button-like geographical features, such as round hills. It is important to note that occupational surnames like Button only became hereditary if the son followed in his father's footsteps for a notable length of time. The first recorded spelling of the family name, dating back to the early 13th century, is shown to be that of Robert Boton. Through time and generations, the spelling and pronunciation may have been altered to its current form, Button. As with many surnames, the exact origin or meaning may vary between families bearing the same surname.

Button: Where does the name Button come from?

The last name Button is of Anglo-Saxon origin and derives from Buckinghamshire, where the Button family held a family seat from ancient times. The surname was originally derived from the Old English word "bi" meaning "by" plus "tun" meaning "enclosure," "settlement," or "town" – hence, "by the town." The surname Button has evolved over time and varied in spellings, which include Buttoner, Button, Bouton, Boutton, and others.

Button bearers thrived within society during the medieval period and were significant contributors to the political and cultural development of England. The family gradually spread throughout England, Ireland, and Scotland. Today, the surname remains most common in England. Due to historical migration patterns, it is also prevalent in nations like the United States, Canada, and Australia where British settlers relocated during colonial times. Famous individuals with this surname include F1 racer Jenson Button and actor John Button.

Variations of the surname Button

The surname Button is of Anglo-Saxon origin and can be traced back to pre-medieval England, with its first known recordings dating back to the 13th century. It is believed to have derived from the Old French word "Bouton", referring to a habitation name for someone who lived at a 'button' like hill. Over time, different spellings, variations and possibly related surnames have emerged due to factors such as regional accents, pronunciation, and literacy levels.

Some of the variants and spelling deviations of Button include Buton, Botton, Bouton, Buttone, Buttons, and Butten, among others. These names may be directly derived from Button or may have developed independently but coincidentally sound alike.

Surnames that are possibly related or of the same origin include the English names Butten and Britton, the French Bouton, Boton, and Butun, and the Dutch Botton and Buttonne. These surnames, like Button, can also be topographic or occupational, related to the Norman-French term for a maker of buttons.

Please note that the relevance and connection between some of these names may be subject to regional and historical contexts.

Famous people with the name Button

• Jenson Button: An acclaimed British racing driver, Button won the FIA Formula One World Championship in 2009 for the Brawn GP team. He also raced for McLaren and Honda during his career.
• Sir John Button: A prominent Australian politician, Sir John Button served as Senator for Victoria from 1974 to 1993 and held several ministerial portfolios in the Hawke and Keating governments.
• Lesa France Kennedy: Born Lesa France Button, she is a prominent figurehead in American motorsport management as the CEO of International Speedway Corporation and Vice Chairman of NASCAR.
• Tim Button: An Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Cambridge.
• Scott Button: As a Canadian footballer, Scott Button has had a notable career in the sport within Canada.
• Graham Button: A well-known designer and the co-founder of the Button Brand Agency.
• Chris J. Button: He is a Professor of Physical Education at University of Otago, New Zealand.
• David Button: A British football goalkeeper currently playing for Brighton & Hove Albion FC.
• Sacha Button: A Canadian curler and two-time national junior champion. 10 Richard Button: An American former figure skater and television commentator, who won two Olympic gold medals.

Other surnames

Buttomer