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Last Name Upton

What is the origin of the last name Upton?

The origin of the last name "Upton" is English. It is a habitational surname derived from several places in England called Upton, which means "upper settlement" or "town on high ground" in Old English. The name originally indicated that the bearer was from one of these places.

origin of the last name Upton

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The meaning and origin of the last name Upton

The surname Upton is of English origin and has multiple possible meanings. One interpretation is that it derived from the Old English words "upp" and "tun," meaning "upper settlement" or "high enclosure." This suggests that the name originally referred to someone who lived in an elevated or higher area, typically within a village or town. Another possible meaning is that Upton could have been a locational surname, indicating that the bearer hailed from one of the various places called Upton in England. These locations include Upton in Dorset, Hampshire, Norfolk, Oxfordshire, or Worcestershire, among others. Over time, as individuals migrated and records were established, the surname Upton gradually spread to different regions, allowing it to become more widespread throughout England and eventually beyond. Today, Upton is a relatively common surname found primarily in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

Geographical distribution of the last name Upton

The last name Upton is primarily found in the English-speaking countries of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. In the United States, the distribution of the Upton surname is relatively widespread but tends to be more concentrated in certain regions. The states with the highest populations of individuals with the Upton last name include Texas, California, Florida, and Georgia. In the United Kingdom, the Upton name is particularly prevalent in areas such as Worcestershire, Devon, and Hampshire. In Canada, Upton can be found in various provinces, including Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta. Australia also has a notable population of Uptons, with concentrations in New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria. While these regions are key areas for the Upton surname, it is important to note that individuals bearing this last name can be found in other parts of the world as well, albeit in smaller numbers.

Variants and spellings of the last name Upton

The last name "Upton" has relatively few variations and alternate spellings. However, there are a few variations that have been recorded throughout history. One variant is "Upton," spelled with only one 'p' instead of two. This spelling variation might have occurred due to clerical errors or pronunciation adjustments. Another variation is "Uppen," which could have emerged through regional dialects or pronunciation variations. Additionally, there are some alternate spellings derived from phonetic transcriptions or personal preferences, such as "Opton" or "Upden." However, it is worth noting that these variations are relatively uncommon, and the majority of individuals with this surname still spell it as "Upton." Overall, while there are a few variations and alternate spellings of the last name "Upton," they are infrequent and the standard spelling remains dominant.

Famous people with the last name Upton

There are a few notable individuals who share the last name Upton and have left a mark in their respective fields. One of the most famous is Kate Upton, a renowned American supermodel and actress. Known for her appearances on the covers of magazines like Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, Kate has become a prominent figure in the fashion industry. Furthermore, she has ventured into acting, appearing in films like "The Other Woman" and "The Layover." Another notable figure with the last name Upton is Justin Upton, a professional baseball player. Justin has enjoyed a successful career in Major League Baseball, playing as an outfielder for various teams such as the Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, and Detroit Tigers. With impressive statistics and numerous accolades, he has proven himself to be a skilled athlete in the sport. Though not as widely recognized, Erma Lee Upton was a talented American gospel singer. Known for her powerful vocals and contributions to the genre, she was part of the renowned gospel group, The Upton Singers. Erma Lee Upton showcased her talent through various live performances and recordings, leaving a lasting impact on gospel music enthusiasts.

Genealogical research on the last name Upton

The surname Upton has English origins and derives from the Old English word "upp" meaning "upper" and "tun" meaning "enclosure" or "farmstead." It is believed to have originally referred to someone who lived on or near an elevated piece of land. The earliest recorded instance of the Upton surname dates back to the 13th century, with individuals bearing this name found across different regions of England, including Berkshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, and Norfolk. One prominent Upton family is the Uptons of Upton, who held land in Warwickshire and Norfolk. The Upton family also played a significant role in English history, with notable members serving as knights, lords, and holding important positions. The surname Upton gradually spread to other English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, through migration and settlement. Today, individuals carrying the surname Upton can be found worldwide, with variations like Uptin, Upson, and Upperton occasionally existing.

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