COTTON
Cotton
The surname Cotton is of English origin and is derived from the Old English word "cottun," meaning "a dwelling place." It is classified as a habitation name, indicating that the original bearers of the surname likely hailed from a location named Cotton or lived near cottages.
The Cotton surname has ancient roots in England, with records showing its presence as early as the 13th century. The name has been borne by various notable individuals throughout history, including Sir Robert Bruce Cotton (1571-1631), an antiquarian and collector of manuscripts who founded the Cottonian Library.
Over the centuries, the Cotton surname has spread beyond England to other English-speaking nations, particularly the United States and Australia. It remains a relatively common surname in modern times, with individuals bearing the name engaged in a diverse range of professions and pursuits.
Like many surnames, Cotton has undergone variations in spelling over time, including Cotun, Cottone, and Cottan. Genealogical research into the Cotton surname can reveal valuable insights into family history and heritage, shedding light on the ancestral roots of those who bear the name.
There are approximately 13,030 people named Cotton in the UK. That makes it the 689th most common surname in Britain. Around 200 in a million people in Britain are named Cotton.
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
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Stephen
Female
- Angela
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Jane
- Julie
- Lisa
- 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.