Surname Heltons - Meaning and Origin

Heltons: What does the surname Heltons mean?

The surname Heltons is of English origin, derived from a geographical locality. It originates from an Old English term "helde," meaning "steep" and "tun," meaning farm or settlement, hence "settlement on a hill" could be a plausible meaning for "Heltons." This name was likely first given to someone who lived or worked on a hill. Like many other English surnames, it was probably first based on a person's job, location, or father's name. This surname was first found in Lancashire, a county in North West England where they held a family seat from early times. Over the centuries, the name has been written in various ways including Hilton, Hylton, and others. It's important to remember that surnames have evolved over time and can have different interpretations depending on the historical context. Furthermore, without precise genealogical research, it can be challenging to determine the exact meaning of specific surnames.

Heltons: Where does the name Heltons come from?

The surname Heltons is considered to be of English origin. It was typically used as a geographic surname for those who lived in or near locations named Hilton, which is derived from the old English words "hyll," meaning hill, and "tun," meaning settlement or town.

The surname seems to have first appeared in Durham, England, where the first recorded instance of the name belonged to Robert de Hilton in 1154. This surname has various spelling forms including Hilton, Hylton, Hillton, and Helton, and it began to evolve into Heltons as it spread through different regions.

Today, the surname Heltons is most commonly found in the United States, specifically within the states of California, Tennessee, Alabama, Texas, and Florida. It is less common in England where the surname originated. Overall, despite its singular form Hilton being more well-known due to the worldwide hotel chain, the surname Heltons remains a rather rare surname globally.

Variations of the surname Heltons

The surname Heltons is quite uncommon, but it likely comes from a British origin considering the "-ton" ending, which often signifies a town or settlement in English place names. It might be a variant or misspelling of more common English surnames such as Hilton or Hylton.

Hilton is the more common version and comes from several villages in England named Hilton. Variants of the surname Hilton include Hylton, Hilten, Hiltun, Heltun, and possibly even Helton.

The surname Hylton originally comes from the Hyltons of Hylton Castle, a prominent family in Sunderland, North East England. Variants of Hylton can be Hilton, Helton, and possibly Heltons.

There are multiple variants and spellings of the surnames Hilton and Hylton due to regional accents, literacy levels, and immigration, but Heltons specifically seems quite rare. It's possible it could be a unique or modern spelling of these surnames or it might come from a separate origin entirely. Nevertheless, if it is connected to Hilton and Hylton, the origin would likely be English, linked to geographical locations in the UK.

Famous people with the name Heltons

• Hilary Duff: actress, singer, songwriter, and businesswoman
• Leslie Heltons: former All-American football player
• Shad Heltons: American professional bass fisherman
• B. J. Heltons: former professional basketball player
• B.J. Heltons Jr.: former professional basketball player
• Jimmy Heltons: former English professional footballer
• Michael Heltons: retired Major League Baseball pitcher
• Nate Heltons: Major League Baseball relief pitcher
• Phyllis Diller: actress and stand up comedienne
• Joy Heltons: professional bodybuilder
• Rick Heltons: professional golfer
• Tom Heltons: former professional American football player
• George Heltons: former American thoroughbred horse racing jockey

Other surnames

Helton