CANTON
Canton
Canton is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old French word "canton," meaning "corner" or "division." The surname is believed to have originated in medieval England and was likely used as a topographic name for someone who lived by a corner or an area set aside or known for a particular purpose.
The distribution of the Canton surname is primarily found in the United Kingdom, particularly in regions such as Kent, Yorkshire, and Lancashire. The name has also spread to other English-speaking countries as a result of migration and settlement over the centuries.
Notable individuals with the surname Canton include:
- John Canton (1718–1772): An English physicist and teacher, known for his work on electricity and thermodynamics.
- William Canton (1845–1926): A British poet and writer, best known for his children's literature and poetry.
The Canton surname continues to be passed down through generations, keeping alive the heritage and legacy of families bearing this distinguished English name.
There are approximately 345 people named Canton in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around five in a million people in Britain are named Canton.
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
- Alan
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Martin
- Michael
- Paul
- Richard
- Roger
- Stephen
- William
Female
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Jacqueline
- Janet
- Joanne
- Joyce
- Kathryn
- Lynn
- Patricia
- Susan
- Tina
- Ursula
- Valerie
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.