ACTON
Acton
Acton is a prominent British surname with origins dating back to medieval times. The name is of Old English origin, derived from the words “ac” meaning oak, and “tun” meaning settlement or town. Therefore, Acton translates to “oak town” or “settlement by the oak trees”.
The surname Acton is thought to have originated from various places in England named Acton. These locations can be found in counties such as Cheshire, Shropshire, Suffolk, Middlesex, and others. Over time, people living in these settlements adopted Acton as a surname to denote their connection to the place.
Notable individuals bearing the Acton surname have made significant contributions in various fields, including politics, literature, and academia. One such figure is John Emerich Edward Acton, better known as Lord Acton, a prominent English historian and politician known for his strong advocacy of liberty and opposition to absolute power.
The Acton surname continues to be found in the United Kingdom and other English-speaking countries, with many individuals proudly bearing this ancestral name. The rich history and widespread presence of the Acton surname reflect its enduring legacy and significance in British culture and heritage.
There are approximately 3,600 people named Acton in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,554th most common surname in Britain. Around 55 in a million people in Britain are named Acton.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
- Thomas
Female
- Caroline
- Helen
- Jane
- Jennifer
- Julie
- Lesley
- Lisa
- Louise
- Margaret
- Mary
- Michelle
- Nicola
- Sarah
- Susan