Surname Lawton - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'L'
A Historical Journey through DNA: Tracing the Celtic Roots of Lawton through an iGENEA DNA Test
Having recently undertaken an iGENEA DNA test, I discovered some fascinating scientific and historical findings linked to my surname, Lawton. The study highlighted my significant lineage to the R1b1a2 haplogroup and pointed towards a profound Celtic connection with roots set deep within Ireland and Western Scotland. With my paternal ancestors traceable back to the Mesolithic era, the Lawton name carries an extraordinary journey through time, guided by human expansion, migration, and cultural evolution.
U. Lawton
read moreLawton: What does the surname Lawton mean?
The surname Lawton is of Anglo-Saxon origin and derives from a geographical locality. It comes from the Old English words “hlaw” meaning a hill and “tun” meaning farm or settlement. Thus, Lawton typically translates to “farm on the hill” or “settlement on the hill.” The name traces back to the ancient times when families were known by their trade or the location they lived. The name "Lawton" could also suggest that the family lived near or on a hill. There are several places named Lawton in England, including in Cheshire, Herefordshire, and Staffordshire, and it’s believed the surname originated from one or more of these locations. As with many surnames, over centuries and through emigration, the name has spread around the world. Therefore, many people bearing this surname may have ancestors hailing from these regions in England.
Order DNA origin analysisLawton: Where does the name Lawton come from?
The surname Lawton is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is a locational name derived from various places in England named Lawton. This includes areas in Cheshire, Herefordshire, and Shropshire. It is derived from the Old English words 'hlaw', meaning 'hill', and 'tun', meaning 'settlement or enclosure', so it literally translates to 'settlement on the hill'.
As for where it's common today, the surname Lawton is particularly prevalent in the United Kingdom, especially in England where it originated. In the United States too, there is a significant population with the last name Lawton, particularly in states like Florida, South Carolina, and New York. This spread is mostly due to British colonial expansion and subsequent migration from the British Isles. The name is also present, albeit less common, in other English-speaking countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. It is worth noting that the distribution of the surname may change over time as people move from one place to another. Despite its origin, the surname Lawton is now used by people of various cultural and ethnic backgrounds around the world.
Variations of the surname Lawton
The surname Lawton is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is typically associated with places named Lawton in Cheshire or Herefordshire in the United Kingdom. This toponymic surname, derived from Old English elements, "hlaw" meaning "hill" and "tūn" meaning "settlement or farm," essentially refers to someone living near or at the hill farm.
Although mainly spelled as Lawton, it has several alternatives and variants that have evolved over time due to phonetic interpretations, regional dialects, and even misspellings. These alternative spellings and variants include Lawtone, Laughton, Lauton, Lawtun, Lawten, and Lauten.
The surname Lawton can also be found with a prefix, such as "de" in de Lawton. Even though less common, some might misspell it as Lowton or Lawtun.
It's also important to note that variations of a surname often refer to familial, geographical, occupational, or personal characteristics of individuals bearing the name, and tracing these variations can be a valuable tool in genealogical research.
Famous people with the name Lawton
- Joe Lawton, English actor
- Robert Lawton, American politician
- Samuel Lawton, British Pieces of Eight silversmith
- Pam Lawton, American artist
- Kenneth Lawton, American computer scientist
- Don Lawton, Australian politician
- Adam Lawton, Canadian filmmaker
- Judith Lawton, South African playwright
- Chris Lawton, Canadian hockey player
- C.J. Lawton, American animator
- Bill Lawton, British game reviewer
- Tom Lawton Sr., American professional wrestler
- Sarah Lawton, Canadian model
- Lewis Lawton, British television presenter
- Beth Lawton, British television presenter
- Stephen Lawton, American novelist
- Jason Lawton, American video game designer
- Trey Lawton, American skateboarder
- Bev Lawton, Canadian onslaught driver
- Eliza Applegate Lawton, American suffragette
- James Lawton, English journalist and non-fiction writer
- Robert Lawton Jr., American merchandiser and entrepreneur
- Alvin Lawton, American professional boxer
- Annabelle Lawton, British composer
- Paul Lawton, British banker and politician
- Damien Lawton, New Zealand rugby footballer
- Sid Lawton, British politician
- Willard Lawton, American entrepreneur and lawyer
- Lewis Lawton Jr., British professional tennis player
- Lucinda Lawton, British television presenter
- Sylvia Lawton, German / Australian painter
- James Lawton III, British actor
- Tom Lawton Jr., American professional wrestler