Surname Milton - Meaning and Origin
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G. Milton
read moreMilton: What does the surname Milton mean?
The surname Milton is of Anglo-Saxon origin and was first found in various counties and shires throughout England. The name is derived from the Old English words "mylen", which means a mill, and "tun", meaning town or settlement. Thus, Milton can be translated to "Mill Town". In the olden days, it was often given to individuals who lived in or near a mill town. Alternatively, it may also indicate a person who worked in a mill. As a place-name, it’s quite common in England, suggesting that bearers of Milton as a surname could hail from multiple ancestral lines. This name became widespread primarily in English-speaking countries but can be found in different forms around the globe. One of the most famous bearers of this surname is John Milton, a 17th century English poet best known for his epic poem "Paradise Lost".
Order DNA origin analysisMilton: Where does the name Milton come from?
The surname Milton originates from England and is derived from old English terms "mylen" and "tun" which means "mill" and "town" or "settlement," respectively. Thus, it can be inferred that the surname Milton was generally ascribed to individuals or families living in or near a mill town. The surname was first found in Berkshire, England.
Today, the surname is quite widespread and can be found in many English-speaking countries. However, it is most prevalent in the United States followed by England, Australia, Canada and South Africa. It is least common in Scotland. Many people of African descent also bear the surname Milton; even in Brazil, some carry this surname as it was common for slaves to take the surnames of their owners. Famous individuals with the name include John Milton, a 17th century English poet best known for his epic poem "Paradise Lost", and Milton Friedman, an influential American economist.
Variations of the surname Milton
The surname Milton is of English origin and its variants include Melton, Meltone, and Middletown. These variants can be found in ancient charts and records, showing the different phonetic interpretations by scribes and church officials. The origin of the name could also be topographical, referring to a person who was living near a mill or a town.
Certain spelling alterations of the surname Milton can be attributed to its root words like "mill" and "town". Therefore, spellings such as Milleton, Milliton, Milltown, Militon, and Mitton might also have been used. As surnames often get adjusted over time to suit local dialect and pronunciation, different regions might have seen different variations.
Surname sharing the same origin can be Middleton or Milthorp. Since the evolution and proliferation of surnames took place differently depending on region, culture, and language, it's possible that many variations exist across different regions.
Doing an extensive or genealogical research would shed more light on the possibilities. However, such variations are more likely to be found in personal documents and historical records rather than modern-day usage.
Famous people with the name Milton
- John Milton: 17th century English poet/author famous for his epic work, Paradise Lost.
- Edward Milton: American professional wrestler who competed in the World Wrestling Federation from 1990 to 1996.
- Dianne Milton: British politician and Member of Parliament for Guildford from 1997 to 2010.
- John Milton Jr.: lawyer/economist, father of the eponymous poet.
- Joe Milton: American college football quarterback for the University of Michigan Wolverines since the 2019 season.
- Alfred Milton: American logician, physicist, and scientist, also known as “the Father of American Chemistry.”
- Kym Milton: British broadcaster and journalist best known for her work on the BBC's Today programme and the Radio 4 morning show, Start the Week.
- Wesley Milton: Canadian photographerwho achieved international success in the early 20th century.
- Harry Milton: British actor known for his roles in Biggles: Adventures in Time, Night Breed, King of the Wind, and A Simple Wish.
- Billy Milton: English cricketer who played for Yorkshire and England from the late 1950s to early 1970s.