Surname Edgerton - Meaning and Origin
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Edgerton: What does the surname Edgerton mean?
The surname Edgerton is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is a locational name derived from places in Cheshire and Durham, England. The Cheshire town was first recorded as "Edgretone" in the Domesday Book of 1086, and the Durham locality was noted as "Eggerton" in the early 13th century. The name is formed from two Old English pre-7th century elements. The first part, "ecg" meaning "edge" or "ridge", combined with the second part, "tun", meaning "farm" or "settlement", hence, "the farm on the ridge". During the Middle Ages, as surnames started to become common, people often took their surname from the name of the place where they lived. Over time, Edgerton might have been adopted by those living in or near the towns of Edgerton, symbolizing an attachment or belonging to those places. Like other surnames, over centuries, it has experienced varied spellings, from Eggerton, Edgarton to Edgerton.
Order DNA origin analysisEdgerton: Where does the name Edgerton come from?
The surname Edgerton is of English origin and is derived from a place-name. There are multiple places in England called Egerton, including in Cheshire, Greater Manchester, and Kent. The name itself can be broken down into Old English elements, “ecg”, meaning edge (as in a sword) and “tun”, meaning settlement or enclosure, which suggests that the first bearers of the surname may have lived in a settlement near the edge of a region or on a boundary.
Today, the surname Edgerton is found in numerous countries around the world due to migration patterns, particularly in English-speaking nations. It is relatively common in the United States, with a higher concentration in North Carolina reflecting the area's history of early English settlers. It's also seen in other countries like Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and New Zealand. Nevertheless, it's not among the most common surnames in these countries.
Variations of the surname Edgerton
The surname Edgerton has a number of different spelling variations stemming from a history of regional spelling differences and transcript errors. Some alternative spellings include Edgerton, Egerton, Edgarton, Edgeerton and Edgereton. It could also appear as Edgeton or Egerdon in some historic records.
The surname is derived from the place name Edgerton, and thus anyone bearing this name could have ancestors who came from one of several places named Edgerton or Egerton in England.
Additionally, the name Egerton has a rich history in the British nobility with an entire family line of Egertons, including the Viscount Clifton and the Earl of Ellesmere.
A historic mistake or choice to simplify a written record may have led to the addition or omission of letters, creating further variations of this surname. Despite the multiple spellings and variations, these surnames can be considered the same in terms of origin and family history. As with all surnames, genealogical research can uncover the specific family line and connections for your particular variant of the surname Edgerton.
Famous people with the name Edgerton
- Joel Edgerton: An Australian actor, director, writer, producer, and filmmaker, best known for his roles in films like "Warrior", "The Great Gatsby", and "Zero Dark Thirty".
- Nash Edgerton: An Australian film director and stuntman, who is also the older brother of Joel Edgerton. He has worked on major Hollywood films like "The Matrix Trilogy", "Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones", and directed the film "The Square".
- Marla Edgerton: She is a well-known actress who appeared in "The Final Girls" in 2015.
- Gary Edgerton: An American professor of communication and major contributor to the study of film and television history and theory.
- Matthew Edgerton: An American organist. He is known for his performances of organ music.
- Hera Edgerton: An actress known for her work in the horror genre, including the film "The Witch".
- George Edgerton: A British politician and businessman, who was the 1st Baron of Edgerton. It's less common to find famous people with the surname Edgerton; however, it is a distinguished name within the realms of entertainment, academia, and politics.