HAMILTON
Hamilton
Background
Hamilton is a prominent Scottish surname with a long and illustrious history. The name is derived from the town of Hamilton in South Lanarkshire, Scotland. The Hamilton family played a significant role in the history of Scotland and later in England and Ireland.
Origins
The Hamilton surname can be traced back to the 13th century when the family became prominent in the Scottish nobility. The progenitor of the Hamilton family was Walter Fitz-Gilbert of Cadzow, who changed his name to Walter de Hamilton after the town of Hamilton. The family quickly rose in prominence, gaining titles, lands, and influence.
Notable Figures
The Hamilton family produced many notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous Hamiltons was Sir William Hamilton (1730-1803), a Scottish diplomat, antiquarian, and art collector. Another prominent figure was Alexander Hamilton (1755-1804), one of the founding fathers of the United States and the first Secretary of the Treasury.
Legacy
The Hamilton surname has left a lasting legacy in various fields including politics, academia, the military, and the arts. Many individuals with the surname continue to make significant contributions to society today.
Heraldry
The Hamilton coat of arms features a shield with three cinquefoils (five-petaled flowers) arranged in a diagonal line, representing the family's noble heritage and achievements.
Modern Times
Today, the Hamilton surname is widespread across the United Kingdom and has also spread to other countries through migration and immigration. The name continues to be well-regarded and carries a sense of prestige and history.
References
For further information on the Hamilton surname and family history, one can explore genealogical records, historical texts, and archives that detail the lineage and contributions of the Hamilton family over the centuries.
There are approximately 51,773 people named Hamilton in the UK. That makes it the 130th most common surname in Britain. Around 795 in a million people in Britain are named Hamilton.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Scotland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- David
- Ian
- James
- John
- Mark
- Paul
- Robert
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Anne
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Jean
- Karen
- 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.