Surname Forton - Meaning and Origin

Forton: What does the surname Forton mean?

The surname Forton is likely of English origin, derived possibly from a geographical location. There is a village named Forton in Lancashire, England, and the surname could have originated from there. In ancient times, people often adopted the name of their towns or villages as their last names. Thus, the name Forton may describe a person hailing from that area.

Alternatively, Forton may also come from the Old French "fort", meaning strong or robust, plus the common suffix “-on”. So, it could have been a descriptor for a strong or solid person.

However, the exact origin and meaning of the surname Forton are uncertain because surnames can be influenced by many factors like occupation, location, patronymics, clan affiliations or even physical attributes, over centuries, and may have different interpretations in different languages and regions. It's also important to note that many surnames have evolved over time, so their modern spelling may not always reflect the original meaning. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct a detailed genealogical research to determine the definitive meaning and origins of the surname Forton.

Forton: Where does the name Forton come from?

The surname Forton is of English origin, derived from a geographical location. There are places known as Forton in various parts of England, particularly in Lancashire, Hampshire, Shropshire, and Staffordshire. The name was initially used to denote someone who lived near a fort, deriving from the Old English words "fort" or "forth," meaning a fortress, and "tun," meaning a settlement or homestead.

While records show the use of Forton in England dating back to the 12th century, today the surname is not very common. According to recent data, Forton ranks as the 106846th most common surname in the world, and it is most prevalent in the United States. Belgium also has a relatively significant population of people with the last name Forton. However, due to emigration patterns and the passing of generations, the name may not be necessarily concentrated in these areas and might be found scattered around the globe.

Variations of the surname Forton

The surname Forton has several variations and may have different spellings based on regional pronunciations or translations. Some of these variants and similar surnames include Fortin, Forten, Fortan, Forten, Fotone, Fortonne, Fawrton, and Foorton. These variations may arise due to migration and the integration of different cultures.

The surname Forton may also have evolved into or be related to other surnames such as Fortner, Fortonier, or Fortoun. These names could have emerged due to merging families or the branching of one family with the Forton surname. Similarly, some completely different names may share the same origin with Forton, particularly if they come from a common etymological root.

It's important to note that certain variations might be more common in specific geographical locations. For example, Fortin appears to be more common in French-speaking regions, while Fortan or Forten might be more prevalent in English-speaking countries. Each variant would also carry its unique history and significance tied to the specific family lines.

Famous people with the name Forton

• Armand Forton: Businessman, best known for his role as President and CEO of Newell Rubbermaid Global Business.
• Eric Forton: Ex Royal Air Force Flight Sergeant from Scotland, works as a Master of Arms for BBC Production Company.
• Terry Forton: Major League Baseball pitcher who won a World Series ring in 1993 with the Philadelphia Phillies.
• Charles Forton: French neurologist, known for his work on brain chemistry.
• David Forton: British pioneer of the use of electricity in medical applications.
• Alfred Forton: English architect who designed several public buildings, such as the St Paul's Church in London.
• Frederick Forton: American composer, pianist, and brass band leader from the early 20th century.
• Luke Forton: Australian rugby league player, called up to the NRL's Canberra Raiders in 2017.
• Adam Forton: Owner and President of Forton Products Ltd, inventing new construction materials since 1936 and one of the pioneers of plastic recycling.
• Jack Forton: New Zealand politician, leading figure in the founding of the Labour Party in 1916.

Other surnames

Forto