ATHERTON
Atherton
Origin Atherton is a locational surname that is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from places in England known as Atherton, found in the county of Lancashire and deriving from the Old English words "æðel" meaning noble and "tun" meaning settlement or enclosure.
History The surname Atherton has ancient origins dating back to the Middle Ages in England. The name is associated with the town of Atherton in Lancashire, which was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as "Ettreton." The Atherton family played a notable role in the local community and held a position of prominence in Lancashire.
Distribution The surname Atherton is widely distributed across Britain, particularly in the North West of England, with a significant concentration in Lancashire. Over time, members of the Atherton family have migrated to various parts of the country and beyond, contributing to the dispersal of the surname.
Famous Bearers
- Sir William Atherton (1597-1655): A prominent English lawyer and Member of Parliament.
- Nancy Atherton (b. 1955): A bestselling British author known for her Aunt Dimity series of novels.
- Finola Atherton (b. 1982): A British actress known for her work in theatre and television.
Coat of Arms The Atherton family's coat of arms consists of a shield with distinctive symbols and colours that represent the family's heritage and values. The coat of arms typically includes elements such as heraldic animals, colours, and mottoes that hold significance for the Atherton lineage.
Modern Significance The surname Atherton continues to be borne by numerous individuals in Britain and around the world. It serves as a link to the historic roots of the Atherton family and reflects the enduring legacy of this ancient surname. Today, those with the surname Atherton are part of a diverse and widespread community, united by a shared ancestral connection to the town of Atherton in Lancashire.
There are approximately 11,592 people named Atherton in the UK. That makes it the 795th most common surname in Britain. Around 178 in a million people in Britain are named Atherton.
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
- Stephen
- Thomas
Female
- Barbara
- Catherine
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Jane
- Julie
- Margaret
- Mary
- Rachel
- Sarah
- Susan