Last Name Flitton

The surname Flitton is of English origin, specifically from the counties of Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire. It is an occupational name for a worker who made fish traps or nets, derived from the Old English word "fleot," meaning a trap or net, and "tun," meaning enclosure or farm. The modern spelling of Flitton as a surname has evolved over time from earlier spellings such as Fleeton, Fleaton, Fletton, etc. There are places named Flitton in both Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire, which might have contributed to the high concentration of this surname in those areas.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Flitton

The meaning and origin of the last name Flitton

The surname Flitton is of English origin, derived from a place name in Bedfordshire, England. Specifically, it comes from the village called Flitwick or Flitton, located on the River Flit. The name of these places is thought to be derived from the Old English words "flēot" and "wic", meaning "settlement by a stream where ships are moored". Over time, as people moved away from their original homes, they often took their place names with them, using them as surnames. This is believed to be the case with the Flitton family, who adopted the name of their ancestral village as a way to identify themselves and preserve their connection to their roots. The surname Flitton can now be found in various parts of the English-speaking world, reflecting the historical pattern of migration and settlement within England and beyond its borders.

Geographical distribution of the last name Flitton

The geographical distribution of the surname Flitton is predominantly concentrated in England, particularly in counties such as Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, and Northamptonshire, which are historically part of the East of England region. These areas have seen significant populations migrations over the centuries, but they remain the main concentration for the Flitton surname. Additionally, smaller pockets can be found in other parts of England, as well as Scotland and Wales. A small number of individuals with the name Flitton can also be found in countries where English immigrants settled, such as North America (United States and Canada), Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Variants and spellings of the last name Flitton

The surname Flitton has several variations and spellings. These include Fletchon, Fletcheon, Flecheon, Fletton, Fletchen, Fletche, Fletching, Fleteon, and Fletchin. Each of these versions may be found in different regions, with slight variations likely resulting from phonetic changes over time or regional dialects. It is important to note that while the spelling can vary, the name's origin is generally traced back to England, where it might have derived from a place-name meaning "fletcher's settlement" or "place with fletchings (feathers for arrows)". As with many surnames, the specific reasons for the variations in this particular name are not always clear.

Famous people with the last name Flitton

The Flitton surname has produced several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most prominent is Nick Flitton, a British entrepreneur and venture capitalist who co-founded Mobeus Equity Partners, a private equity firm that invests in small to medium-sized businesses. In the world of sports, there is Jamie Flitton, an English rugby union player who currently plays for the London Irish team in the Gallagher Premiership. In literature, Hilary Flammang, née Flitton, is a well-known American author known for her romantic suspense novels. Furthermore, Richard Flitton, a British scientist, has made significant contributions to the field of biomedical engineering and is a fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. These individuals demonstrate the diverse accomplishments of those bearing the surname Flitton.

Genealogical research on the last name Flitton

The surname Flitton is believed to have originated from the village of Fliton in Bedfordshire, England. According to historical records, the name's earliest known ancestor was Richard de Flitehevede, who lived during the reign of King Henry III (1216-1272). The family resided in Fliton for several centuries, with notable members such as John Flitton, a yeoman farmer recorded in the 1524 Subsidy Rolls. The spelling of the name has evolved over time, with variations including Fletchman, Fletten, and Fleetwood appearing throughout the Middle Ages. By the late 17th century, the family had dispersed to other regions of England, with branches establishing in Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and the Midlands. Today, descendants of the Flitton family can be found worldwide, particularly in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Flitton"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 10 June 2025

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