APPLETON
Appleton
Appleton is a surname of British origin derived from a place name. The name refers to various places called Appleton in England, derived from Old English words meaning "apple tree" and "enclosure" or "settlement." The surname Appleton is classified as a locational surname, indicating that the original bearers of the name hailed from a place named Appleton.
Origins
The Appleton surname can be traced back to medieval times when surnames were first adopted in England. Families typically took on the surname of their ancestral village or place of residence to distinguish themselves from others with the same given name. As a result, the Appleton surname was likely given to families who lived in or near a place called Appleton.
Distribution
The surname Appleton is most commonly found in England, particularly in regions where there are historical or modern settlements named Appleton. It is also present in other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, often as a result of immigration from the UK.
Notable Bearers
Notable individuals with the surname Appleton include:
- Sir Edward Victor Appleton (1892–1965) – A British physicist awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1947.
- Nicole Appleton (b. 1974) – A Canadian-born British singer best known as a member of the girl group All Saints.
- George Swinnock Appleton (1803–1879) – An Anglican bishop who served as the Bishop of Kingston in Jamaica.
Heraldry
The heraldic crest associated with the Appleton surname may feature elements such as apple trees, heraldic apples, or other symbols connected to the name's meaning. However, individual families may have unique coats of arms and crests associated with their specific branch of the Appleton lineage.
In conclusion, the surname Appleton has its roots in the landscape and localities of England, reflecting a connection to apple trees and settlements. Over time, individuals bearing this surname have made significant contributions in various fields, leaving a lasting imprint on British history and culture.
There are approximately 9,129 people named Appleton in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,034th most common surname in Britain. Around 140 in a million people in Britain are named Appleton.
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
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Stephen
Female
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Julie
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan