LITTLETON
Littleton
Littleton is an English surname that traces its origins to the village of the same name in Staffordshire, England. The village name is derived from the Old English words "lytel," meaning little, and "tun," meaning settlement or enclosure.
Origins and History
The first recorded instance of the surname Littleton dates back to the 11th century, where it was predominantly found in the Midlands region of England. The family is believed to have been of Anglo-Saxon descent.
Notable Individuals
- Sir Edward Littleton: A prominent figure in English history, Sir Edward Littleton was a Member of Parliament in the 17th century and served as Speaker of the House of Commons.
- Thomas Littleton: An influential legal scholar in the 15th century, Thomas Littleton's work on property law, known as "Littleton's Tenures," had a lasting impact on English jurisprudence.
Distribution
The surname Littleton is relatively uncommon, with many individuals of this name still residing in the United Kingdom. It has also spread to other English-speaking countries, particularly the United States and Australia, through migration and settlement.
Coat of Arms
The Littleton family coat of arms features a shield with various symbols representing the family's heritage and values. It typically includes elements such as lions, stars, and geometric patterns.
Modern Significance
Today, the Littleton surname is a reminder of a rich historical heritage and a connection to the English countryside. Many individuals bearing this surname take pride in their ancestry and contribute to diverse fields such as law, politics, and academia.
There are approximately 715 people named Littleton in the UK. That makes it roughly the 9,550th most common surname in Britain. Around 11 in a million people in Britain are named Littleton.
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
- Alan
- David
- James
- John
- Jonathan
- Mark
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Stephen
- William
Female
- Anne
- Fiona
- Joanne
- Karen
- Kathleen
- Laura
- Linda
- Louise
- Marilyn
- Mary
- Pamela
- Sarah
- Zoe
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.