ASHTON
Ashton
Origin and Meaning
Ashton is a locational surname of Old English origin, derived from several places in England with the name "Ashton." The name comes from the Old English words "aesc" meaning "ash tree" and "tun" meaning "town" or "settlement," indicating a location where ash trees grew. The surname Ashton likely evolved as a way to identify individuals who hailed from or resided in one of the various Ashton villages or towns.
Distribution and Popularity
The surname Ashton is most commonly found in England, particularly in the counties of Lancashire, Greater Manchester, and Yorkshire. Over time, the name has spread to various English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. As a relatively common surname, Ashton ranks among the top surnames in England and is often found in historical records and contemporary populations.
Notable Individuals
- Sir Frederick Ashton (1904–1988): A renowned British ballet dancer and choreographer, Sir Frederick Ashton is considered one of the most influential figures in the history of British ballet.
- Dame Joan Ashton (b. 1946): An accomplished British sculptor known for her abstract and figurative works, Dame Joan Ashton has received numerous awards and accolades for her contributions to the art world.
- Chris Ashton (b. 1987): A professional rugby union player from England, Chris Ashton has represented various clubs and the national team during his career.
Variants and Derivatives
Variants of the surname Ashton may include Asheton, Ashdon, Asheton, and Ashburn, among others. These variations may have emerged due to regional accents, dialects, or clerical errors in historical records.
Coat of Arms
The Ashton coat of arms typically features heraldic elements such as shields, crests, and symbols that represent the family's history, achievements, and status. The specific design of the Ashton coat of arms may vary depending on the branch of the family.
Legacy and Descendants
The Ashton surname has a rich history and is associated with numerous individuals who have made notable contributions to various fields, including the arts, sports, academia, and business. The legacy of the Ashton family continues to be celebrated through historical records, genealogical research, and the achievements of modern descendants.
There are approximately 25,059 people named Ashton in the UK. That makes it the 326th most common surname in Britain. Around 385 in a million people in Britain are named Ashton.
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
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
Female
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Jane
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.