Morton

Origin and Meaning

Morton is a British surname of Anglo-Saxon origin. The name is derived from Old English, with "mor" meaning marsh or moor, and "tun" meaning enclosure or settlement. Therefore, Morton signifies a settlement near a marsh or moor.

History

The Morton surname has ancient roots in England, particularly in regions such as Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. The earliest known recording of the surname dates back to the 12th century in England. Over time, the name spread to other parts of the United Kingdom and beyond, carried by individuals and families as they migrated and settled in different areas.

Notable Bearers

The Morton surname has been borne by various notable individuals throughout history, including:

  • John Morton (1420-1500): Archbishop of Canterbury and Lord Chancellor of England during the reign of King Henry VII.
  • Leslie Morton (1895-1971): A British naval officer and a renowned marine artist.
  • Samantha Morton (b. 1977): A well-known English actress acclaimed for her roles in films such as "Minority Report" and "Sweet and Lowdown."

Modern Distribution

Today, the Morton surname is prevalent not only in the United Kingdom but also in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, among others. It remains a common and distinguished surname with a rich history and a widespread presence around the world.

There are approximately 28,659 people named Morton in the UK. That makes it the 281st most common surname in Britain. Around 440 in a million people in Britain are named Morton.

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
  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • William

Female

  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Jean
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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