Bolton

Description

Bolton is a surname of English origin that is derived from the Old English words "bula" meaning a dwelling and "tun" meaning an enclosure or settlement. It is a habitational surname referring to individuals who hailed from one of the numerous places in England named Bolton.

History

The surname Bolton has ancient origins, with records dating back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where Bolton was documented as a common placename throughout England. The name was likely adopted by families living near towns and villages called Bolton, such as the town of Bolton in Greater Manchester and many other smaller settlements across the country.

Distribution and Popularity

The surname Bolton is particularly prevalent in the United Kingdom, especially in the north of England where many towns and villages bear the name. It is also found in smaller numbers in countries that have historical ties to Britain, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Famous Bearers

The Bolton surname has been borne by several notable individuals throughout history, including:

  1. Michael Bolton - an American singer and songwriter known for his powerful voice and hit songs.
  2. Ainsley Bolton - a British actor who has appeared in various television series and films.
  3. Reginald Bolton - a British historian and author known for his works on medieval English history.

Variants

Variants of the Bolton surname include Boulton and Boulten, reflecting different regional pronunciations and spellings over time.

In conclusion, the surname Bolton is an enduring and widespread English surname with a rich history and connection to various settlements across England. It continues to be borne by individuals around the world, reflecting the diverse and widespread nature of the British diaspora.

There are approximately 22,111 people named Bolton in the UK. That makes it the 387th most common surname in Britain. Around 340 in a million people in Britain are named Bolton.

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
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Catherine
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Joanne
  • Linda
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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