Deighton

Pronunciation: \ˈdaɪ.tən\

Origin: English

Meaning: The surname Deighton is of English origin and is derived from the Old English word "dīc-tūn," meaning "farmstead by the dike." The name likely originated as a locational surname for individuals who lived near or worked on farms located by a dike or ditch.

History: The Deighton surname has ancient roots in England, particularly in the county of Yorkshire. The name is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, a survey of England and Wales commissioned by William the Conqueror. Over the centuries, bearers of the surname Deighton have been noted in various historical records, including church registers, census data, and land deeds, reflecting their presence in different regions of England.

Notable Bearers:

  • Len Deighton (1929-present): A prominent British author known for his espionage novels, including "The Ipcress File," which was adapted into a film starring Michael Caine.
  • Matthew Deighton: An English musician and songwriter, known for his work with the band Mother Earth.

Variants: Variants of the Deighton surname include Dighton, Deauton, and Deeton, among others.

Popularity: The surname Deighton is relatively rare, with most occurrences being limited to regions historically associated with the name's origins. It is more commonly found in England than in other parts of the world.

Coat of Arms: The Deighton family coat of arms typically features traditional English heraldic symbols, such as shields, crests, and helmets, which vary in design depending on the specific branch of the family.

References:

  • Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.
  • Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1991). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.

There are approximately 2,489 people named Deighton in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,527th most common surname in Britain. Around 38 in a million people in Britain are named Deighton.

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
  • Richard
  • Robert

Female

  • Alison
  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Jane
  • Joan
  • Joanne
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Tracey

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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