Surname Middleton - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
Exploring Ancestorial Stories: An Insight into the Middleton Lineage Through iGENEA DNA Test
The iGENEA DNA test has revealed fascinating insights about the historical origins of the surname Middleton, offering a dive into the past and creating connections with Middleton lineage holders across the globe.
I. Middleton
read moreMiddleton: What does the surname Middleton mean?
Middleton is a surname of Old English origin. It arises from two words 'middel', which means middle, and 'tūn', meaning town or settlement. Therefore, it was originally used to describe someone who lived in the ‘middle town’ or the town located in the middle of certain places, such as between two rivers or hills, or simply a town in the center of a larger region. The name was also often given to those who resided either in the middle of two settlements or halfway up a hillside. Over time, this geographical descriptive title evolved into a last name conveying these specific ancestral roots. Its usage was widespread throughout England and Scotland during the medieval period and it is still quite common in the UK today. Hence, the last name Middleton signifies a geographical association of ancestors with central towns or settlements. Some notable people with the surname include Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, and actress Catherine Middleton.
Order DNA origin analysisMiddleton: Where does the name Middleton come from?
The surname Middleton originates from England and pertains to geographical location. It was typically given to persons residing in or near the "middle town" or the centre of a region. The name is derived from the Old English words "middel," which means middle and "tun," which means settlement or enclosure.
There are multiple locations named Middleton in the United Kingdom, and it's likely that different families took their surname independently from each other, hence it is widespread across the region, specifically in Lancashire, North Yorkshire, and Northeast England. Further, it was carried to various corners of the globe through the expansion of the British Empire.
Today, Middleton remains common within the United Kingdom and is also seen in countries such as the United States, Australia, Canada, and South Africa, reflecting the patterns of British immigration during colonial times. The name has recently gained even more recognition due to Catherine Middleton, now known as Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, who is married to Prince William.
Variations of the surname Middleton
The surname Middleton has English origins, and comes from a geographic location, meaning "middle settlement" or "middle town." Variations and alternate spellings of the name can include Middletun, Middeltone, Middilton, Myddleton, Myddelton, and Myddle.
The name can sometimes be regional, referring to numerous locations across England such as in Northumberland, Norfolk, and Yorkshire. As with many surnames, the spelling could vary over time and regionally, influenced by factors such as phonetics, regional accent, literacy levels, and translations into and from other languages. It is also possible that the surname could be double-barreled, combined with another surname, or hyphenated, such as Middleton-Smith or Middleton-Jones, according to custom or personal choice.
Furthermore, other surnames may originate from the same geographic term 'middle town', but translated into different languages. For instance, the German surname Mittelstadt, Dutch Middelburg, and French Merville all potentially have similar geographic origins.
Finally, it's worth noting that Middleton is sometimes used as a first name. Famous people with this name include the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton, and Hollywood actress Michelle Pfeiffer's character in the movie "Stardust," who was named Yvaine Middleton.
Famous people with the name Middleton
- Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge: born Catherine Elizabeth Middleton, Princess William of Wales in the United Kingdom.
- Michael Middleton: father of the Duchess of Cambridge who worked as a flight dispatcher and later as a flight attendant for British Airways.
- Pippa Middleton: sister of the Duchess of Cambridge, writer, and entrepreneur.
- James Middleton: brother of the Duchess of Cambridge, entrepreneur, and founder of his own company, Boomf.
- Joanne Middleton: stepmother of the Duchess of Cambridge, businesswoman, and successful marketing agency.
- Nicky Middleton-Reid: British socialite and entrepreneur.
- David Middleton: British businessman, Chairman of Aegis Group, and co-founder of the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising.
- Stuart Middleton: British politician and Member of Parliament for Whitby.
- Robert Middleton: English-born actor, best known for his roles in films such as Scarecrow and Mrs. King and Beverly Hills Cop II.
- Matthew Middleton: British singer, songwriter, and philanthropist who founded the Creative Arts Academy.