The surname Hotton is believed to be of English origin, with possible roots tracing back to the Anglo-Saxon period. It is thought to be a locative name derived from various places named "Hoton" which exist throughout England. Some examples include Hoton in Leicestershire and Hotton in Staffordshire. The name may also have originated as a nickname for someone who was hot-tempered or passionate. However, it's important to note that the exact origins of many surnames can be difficult to determine with certainty due to the lack of written records from earlier periods and the diversity of naming practices across different regions.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Hotton
The meaning and origin of the last name Hotton
The surname Hotton is an Anglo-Saxon name derived from the Old English words "hott" meaning 'hot' or 'ardent' and "tun" which means 'farm' or 'village'. This suggests that the original bearer of this name lived in a hot, ardent settlement. The name was initially spelled Hoton and is found primarily in England, although variations such as Hutton, Hoult, Hotton, and Houtten are also present. It has been suggested that some instances of the surname may be occupational names for someone who lived near a smithy or metalworking area, due to the heat associated with these crafts. However, the exact origin and meaning of the name may vary depending on regional dialects and historical records.
Geographical distribution of the last name Hotton
The surname Hotton is primarily found in England, particularly in counties such as Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset, indicating its potential origins from those regions. However, it has also been traced in smaller numbers in other parts of England, including Yorkshire, Norfolk, and Hampshire. In addition, there are records of Hotton families in Ireland, primarily in County Cork, which may suggest a historical migration or connection between the two countries. The surname Hotton is less common in other parts of the world but has been found in small numbers in countries with significant English or Irish immigrant populations such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Variants and spellings of the last name Hotton
The surname Hotton has several variations and spellings due to historical transcription errors and regional dialects. Some common spelling variations include Hottan, Houghton, Hooton, Hautton, and Hotten. These variations may have originated from misspellings, phonetic changes over time, or even migrational influences. Additionally, there might be regional differences in pronunciation leading to slight alterations in spelling. For example, some families with the name Hotton may say it as "Hut'n" or "Hot'n", which could lead to variations like Hutton or Hoult, respectively. It is important to note that these variations do not necessarily indicate separate origins; rather they are often a result of linguistic changes over time and geographical location.
Famous people with the last name Hotton
Notable individuals with the surname Hotton include:
1. Sir Richard Hotton (1792-1868), an English lawyer and politician who served as Solicitor General for England and Wales from 1841 to 1846 and was a Whig Member of Parliament from 1830 to 1847.
2. Samuel Hotton (born 1958), a Canadian actor who has appeared in numerous television shows and films, including the popular series "Degrassi: The Next Generation."
3. William Hotton (1636-1704), an English actor and theater manager who is considered one of the first stars of the Restoration stage in London. He founded the United Company, a successful theatrical troupe that operated during the Restoration era.
4. John Hotten (1832-1876), a British publisher and genealogist known for compiling Hotten's Bibliography of Genealogy and Heraldry, a comprehensive index of works on family history and heraldry.
5. Christopher Hotton (born 1970), an English former professional footballer who played as a striker for various clubs in England and Scotland between the late 1980s and early 2000s.
Genealogical research on the last name Hotton
The surname Hotton is of English origin, primarily found in the counties of Devon and Cornwall. It is believed to be a variant of the name Hutton, derived from Old Norse "hutr" meaning "hut" or "cottage," and the Old English "tun" meaning "enclosure." The Normans brought this name to England after the Conquest in 1066. Early records show the name being spelled Hoton, Hottone, and Hotten. Notable individuals with the surname include Sir Francis Drake's navigator John Hotton, and Thomas Hoton, a member of Parliament for Oxfordshire in the late 17th century. The Hotton family from Somerset can trace their lineage back to the Norman conquest through Henry de Hutton. The name is less common today but remains predominantly found in England and its diaspora.
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 :
Share the origin of your last name with your friends
The surname "Hot" is of Old French origin, derived from the Middle French word "haut", meaning "high". It was most commonly used as a toponymic name for someone who lived in a high...
The surname Hota originates from India and is commonly found among communities such as the Marathi, Gujarati, and Jain populations. In India, many surnames are derived from occupat...
The Hotaki dynasty was a Persian ruling family that originated from the region of Kerman in present-day Iran. They rose to power during the 18th century and ruled over parts of mod...
The surname Hotari is of Finnish origin. It is derived from the word "hotari," which means "burned clearing" in Finnish. The name likely originated as a topographic surname for som...
The last name "Hotchandani" is of Indian origin. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "Huta" meaning offering or sacrifice, and the suffix "-chandani" which may indicate a family o...
The surname "Hote Chi" is of Japanese origin. It is likely derived from the Japanese words "hote" and "chi", which may have various meanings such as "fire" and "knowledge" or "eart...
The last name "Hothib" does not have a clear origin or meaning in English. It does not appear to be a common surname and may be a variation or unique surname.
The last name "Hothot" is of French origin. It is derived from the French word "haut", meaning "high" or "tall". The name may have been given to someone who was of a lofty or eleva...
The last name "Hotjames" does not have a commonly known origin or meaning in the English language. It does not appear to have a specific cultural or linguistic background associate...
The surname Hotlar is of German origin. It is derived from the personal name "Hottl" which is a diminutive form of the Middle High German name "Hodo", meaning "famous". The surname...
The last name "Hotnews" does not have a known origin or meaning in the English language. It is possible that it is a recently created or uncommon surname.
The last name "Hotpot" is of English origin and is believed to be a topographical surname derived from the Middle English word "haut" meaning 'high' or 'tall' and "pot", which refe...
The last name Hott is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "hot," which means "sharp" or "keen." The name likely originated as a nickname for someone wh...
