Last Name Lawton

The last name Lawton is of English origin. It is a habitational surname derived from the Old English words "hlaw" meaning "hill" and "tun" meaning "enclosure" or "settlement." Therefore, Lawton originally referred to someone who lived by or was associated with a settlement or farm located near a hill. The name is mainly found in the English county of Staffordshire, particularly in the West Midlands region. Over time, individuals with the surname Lawton migrated to other areas, including the United States and Canada.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lawton

The meaning and origin of the last name Lawton

The surname Lawton is of English origin and is derived from two possible sources. The first source suggests that it originated as a locational surname, referring to individuals who resided in a village called "Lawton" or similar variations in various counties such as Cheshire, Staffordshire, or Shropshire. The name "Lawton" is derived from the Old English elements "hlaw" meaning "hill" and "tun" meaning "settlement" or "enclosure," indicating someone who lived near a hill settlement. The second source proposes that Lawton could have also developed as a patronymic surname, denoting that the bearer was the "son of Lawrence." Lawrence is a variant of the Roman name Laurentius, meaning "from Laurentum," a region in ancient Italy known for its bay trees. Over time, variations of the surname have emerged such as Laughton or Lauton. Today, Lawton is a relatively uncommon surname but can still be found primarily in the United Kingdom and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lawton

The last name Lawton is primarily distributed in English-speaking countries, particularly the United States and the United Kingdom. In the United States, Lawton is most commonly found in the states of Texas, California, and Florida. This distribution can be attributed to immigration patterns and historical settlements in these regions. Additionally, Lawton can also be found in significant numbers in Canada, particularly in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia. In the United Kingdom, Lawton is widely spread throughout England, with notable concentrations in West Midlands and Greater Manchester. The surname's distribution pattern in the U.S. and U.K. can be traced back to the 19th century when individuals with the surname immigrated from England. While Lawton is primarily concentrated in these countries, it is not exclusive to them, and individuals with this last name can be found in various other parts of the world due to migration and global mobility.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lawton

The last name Lawton has several variations and spellings that have emerged over time. Some of the common variations include Lawten, Laneton, Layton, Laweson, Lawten, Laughton, Loughton, Lawtun, and Laughtun. These variations have different regional and historical roots, representing migrations and influences from diverse ancestral backgrounds. The surname Lawton itself is of English origin, derived from a place name in Staffordshire, England. The variations and spellings have likely arisen due to changes in pronunciation and spelling practices throughout history, as well as different dialects and accents within the English language. Over generations, individuals and families may have altered the spelling to better fit their phonetic pronunciation or simply due to personal preference. Despite the variations, all these spellings ultimately represent the same sound when spoken, functioning as different branches stemming from the same ancestral tree.

Famous people with the last name Lawton

One famous person with the last name Lawton is Jerome Lawton, an American football player who played as a fullback in the National Football League (NFL) during the 1970s and 1980s. He earned recognition for his powerful running style and was a key player for the New Orleans Saints and later the Indianapolis Colts. With his impressive career achievements, Lawton became a beloved figure in the NFL and left a lasting impact on the teams he played for. Another well-known individual is Ken Lawton, a renowned British entrepreneur and philanthropist. Throughout his career, he founded several successful businesses and played a significant role in various charitable initiatives. Lawton's entrepreneurial ventures coupled with his commitment to giving back to society established him as a respected figure in the business world and an advocate for social causes. The Lawton name continues to be associated with talent and success in various fields, leaving a notable mark in their respective arenas.

Genealogical research on the last name Lawton

The origin of the last name Lawton dates back to medieval England. It is derived from a place name; the village of Lawton, which is found in Cheshire, a county in North West England. The name Lawton essentially means "hill settlement," indicating that the first bearers of this surname may have resided in or around a hilly area. Over time, the surname Lawton spread beyond its original village, and numerous individuals bearing this name can be found across different regions in England, as well as in other parts of the world. Genealogical research on the Lawton family reveals a long and diverse history, with branches of the family migrating to various countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and beyond. Today, Lawton remains a fairly common surname, and descendants of the original Lawton families can be found in many parts of the globe.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lawton"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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