The surname Lawton is of English origin, derived from a place name meaning "the hollow where laver (a type of plant) grows" in Olde English. The place name Lawton can be found in several locations throughout England, with notable instances in Cheshire and Lancashire. The surname began as a nickname for someone who lived by such a location or possessed characteristics similar to the laver plant. Over time, it became a hereditary surname, passed down through generations of the same family.
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, derived from various places named Lawton in different parts of England. It is primarily associated with three locations: Lawton in Cheshire, Lawton in Northumberland, and Lawton in Staffordshire. These places are named after the Old English words "hlaf-tun" or "leah-tun," meaning "loaf village" or "clearing village." The name was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under the spellings Laitun and Laltone. Over time, the spelling evolved to Lawton as it is known today. Notable persons with the surname Lawton include George Washington Lawton, a Confederate States Army officer during the American Civil War, and John Lawton, a British actor and voice artist.
Geographical distribution of the last name Lawton
The surname Lawton is predominantly found in England, where it originated as a locational name from places named Lawton, such as Lawton in Cheshire and Durham, or Lowton in Lancashire. It's also found in significant numbers in other regions of the United Kingdom due to migration and population movement over centuries. In recent times, many individuals with the surname Lawton can be found in the United States, particularly in states like Michigan, Ohio, and Texas, as well as in Canada and Australia, reflecting historical waves of emigration from England. The distribution of the name also extends to other English-speaking countries such as New Zealand, South Africa, and Ireland.
Variants and spellings of the last name Lawton
The surname Lawton has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription over time and across different regions. Here are some of its most common forms:
* Lawton: This is the standard spelling of the name, originating from England. It is thought to be a locational name for someone who lived near a law-tun, or law town, though it could also be a patronymic name derived from the Old Norse given name Leifr, meaning "descendant of Leif."
* Lauden: This variant appears in early English records and is an old form of the name Lawton. It may also have been used as a nickname for someone who was loud or boisterous.
* Lauton: Another variation found in early records, Lauton is thought to be a shortened version of Lauden or Lawton.
* Leathem: A rare variant that is most commonly found in Scotland, Leathem appears to be a corrupted form of the name Lawson, with the "-s" ending replaced by "-hem."
* Louden: A modern spelling of the name, it originated as a variant of Lauden or Lawton and is now used primarily in the United States. It may also be found as a place name in Scotland and England.
* Loudon: Another variation that is most commonly found in the United States, Loudon appears to be a variant of Louden or possibly a corruption of the French surname Lodoin.
* Leathem-Lawton: This compound name combines the Scottish variant Leathem with the standard English form Lawton and is most commonly found in Scotland and Northern England. It may also be found as a given name in some regions.
Overall, the name Lawton has a rich history and many variations, reflecting its origins and evolution over time.
Famous people with the last name Lawton
Notable individuals with the surname Lawton include:
1. Charles G. Lawton Jr., an American geologist who made significant contributions to the study of minerals and their uses. He was awarded the U.S. National Medal of Science in 1964.
2. Doris Lawton Freed, an American mathematician who worked on top-secret projects during World War II for the U.S. Army's Ballistic Research Laboratory. She later became a professor at Smith College.
3. James D. Lawton Collins, a retired four-star general in the United States Marine Corps who served as the 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps from 2015 to 2019.
4. John Lawton, a British conservationist and environmental scientist who is the current Chair of Natural England, an advisory body that helps to protect England's natural environment.
5. Richard S. Lawton, an American politician who served as a U.S. Representative for California from 1983 to 1993. He was also the first African-American mayor of Compton, California.
Genealogical research on the last name Lawton
The surname Lawton is primarily of English origin, derived from various places called Lawton located throughout England, most notably in Cheshire and Durham. Historically, the name was associated with landed families who held estates or influence in these regions. One prominent family line traces back to the Lawtons of Lawton Tower, a medieval fortified manor house in Cheshire that was the seat of the Lawton baronets from 1627 until 1935. The name also appears frequently in records from Durham during the Middle Ages. Over time, the Lawton family migrated and dispersed, with notable branches in Scotland, Ireland, and America. Notable individuals bearing the surname include Sir Thomas Lawton, a prominent Cheshire lawyer and politician of the 17th century; Richard B. Lawton, an American politician who served as U.S. Senator for Delaware from 1857 to 1863; and Sir Henry Lawson, a renowned Australian writer and poet.
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 "Law" has multiple origins, primarily rooted in Old English, Old Norse, and Scottish Gaelic languages.
In Old English, "Lawe" means meadow or pasture, from the element...
The last name "Law Gang" is of Chinese origin. It is derived from the Chinese word "羅" (luó) meaning "net" or "mesh" and the word "江" (jiāng) meaning "river."
The surname Lawaetz is of Danish origin, derived from the Old Norse personal name Lavgød. It is believed to have originated from the combination of "lav" meaning low or fallen and...
The last name "Lawal Margai" originates from Nigeria. "Lawal" is a common surname among the Yoruba people of Nigeria, while "Margai" is a surname commonly found among the Mende peo...
The surname Lawan Kano originates from Nigeria. "Lawan" is a common surname among the Kanuri people of northeastern Nigeria and neighboring areas, while "Kano" likely refers to the...
The last name Lawana Afridi originates from the Afridi tribe in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The Afridi tribe is known for their warrior traditions and has a long h...
The last name "Lawat" originates from the Sanskrit word "lavata," meaning "beautiful or pleasant." It is a common surname in India, especially in the state of Punjab.
The surname "Lawi" is of African origin, specifically from Nigeria. It is derived from the Igbo ethnic group and is a common surname in that region. The name likely has a specific ...
The last name "Lawi An" is of Korean origin. It is derived from the Korean word "lawi" which means "few" or "little", and the suffix "An" which is a common Korean surname.
The last name "Lawin" is of Germanic origin. It is a variant of the German surname "Lohwyn," which is derived from the Old High German words "lohwino," meaning "lynx." This could i...
