GORTON
Gorton
Origin of the Surname: Gorton is a surname of Anglo-Saxon origins that can be traced back to Old English. It is a locational surname deriving from the village of Gorton in Greater Manchester, England.
Meaning of the Name: The meaning of the name "Gorton" is believed to be derived from the Old English words "gores" meaning "mud" and "tun" meaning "enclosure" or "settlement." Hence, the name Gorton likely refers to a settlement or village situated in a muddy area.
History: The surname Gorton has been recorded in English medieval documents dating back to the 13th century. The earliest known spelling variations of the surname include "de Gorton" and "de Goreston," reflecting the locational origins of the name.
Distribution: The surname Gorton is most commonly found in the Greater Manchester area of England, particularly in and around the village of Gorton. However, individuals bearing the surname Gorton can be found across the United Kingdom and in various English-speaking countries around the world.
Notable Individuals:
- Sir Charles Gorton: An influential 19th-century industrialist and philanthropist known for his contributions to the development of Manchester's textiles industry.
- Eliza Gorton: A pioneering female mathematician and educator who made significant contributions to the field of algebra in the 18th century.
- Tom Gorton: A renowned modern-day author and poet whose works have garnered international acclaim for their insight and emotional depth.
Trivia: The district of Gorton in Greater Manchester, from which the surname originates, has a rich industrial history and is known for its significant contributions to the textile industry during the Industrial Revolution. Today, Gorton is a vibrant urban area with a diverse community and a strong sense of local identity.
In conclusion, the surname Gorton embodies a sense of heritage and connection to the historical landscape of England, particularly the North West region. Its origins in a rural settlement speak to a bygone era while its presence in contemporary society reflects the enduring legacy of the Gorton name.
There are approximately 3,023 people named Gorton in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,971st most common surname in Britain. Around 46 in a million people in Britain are named Gorton.
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
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Janet
- 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.