Denton

Denton is an English surname of locative origin, derived from the Old English words "denu" meaning "valley" and "tun" meaning "settlement". The name originally denoted someone who lived in or near a valley settlement.

History

The surname Denton has been recorded in England since medieval times and is most commonly found in the counties of Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Lincolnshire. The first known recording of the name dates back to 1191 when one William de Denton is mentioned in historical documents.

Notable Individuals

  • Geoffrey Denton (1821-1893): A renowned Victorian architect known for his Gothic Revival designs, including several churches and public buildings.
  • Hannah Denton (1845-1920): A pioneer in the field of nursing who established a nursing school in Manchester in the late 19th century.
  • Sir Matthew Denton (1902-1977): A British diplomat who served as Ambassador to several countries during the mid-20th century.

Modern Distribution

Today, individuals with the surname Denton can be found across the United Kingdom and in the United States, Canada, Australia, and other English-speaking countries. The name continues to be passed down through generations, preserving its historical significance and heritage.

There are approximately 10,701 people named Denton in the UK. That makes it the 862nd most common surname in Britain. Around 164 in a million people in Britain are named Denton.

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
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert

Female

  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Jacqueline
  • Jane
  • Julie
  • Lisa
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • 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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