PAYTON
Payton
Payton is a surname of English origin that is derived from the medieval personal name Pagan or Payn, which was a short form of various names containing the Old French word "paien," meaning "pagan." The name Payton is recorded in historical documents in various forms, including Peyton and Paiton.
Origins and History
The Payton surname has its roots in the pre-7th century Anglo-Saxon period and was predominantly found in the West Midlands of England. The name was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, indicating its early presence in England's history.
Distribution and Population
The surname Payton is currently found across the United Kingdom, with notable concentrations in areas such as the West Midlands, Staffordshire, and Shropshire. Over time, the name has spread to other parts of the English-speaking world through migration and settlement.
Notable Individuals
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Walter Horace Payton (1954-1999): Known as "Sweetness," Walter Payton was an American professional football player renowned for his career with the Chicago Bears in the National Football League (NFL).
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John Payton (1946-2012): John Payton was a prominent American civil rights attorney who served as the President and Director-Counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund.
Variants
Variants of the Payton surname include Peyton, Paiton, and Paton, reflecting historical linguistic evolutions and regional influences.
The surname Payton carries a rich history and legacy, representing a long-standing connection to the cultural tapestry of England and its diaspora.
There are approximately 2,511 people named Payton in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,498th most common surname in Britain. Around 39 in a million people in Britain are named Payton.
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
- Anthony
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Malcolm
- Mark
- Matthew
- Michael
- Nicholas
- Richard
Female
- Catherine
- Christine
- Deborah
- Emma
- Helen
- Karen
- Linda
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Mary
- Sally
- Sarah
- Susan
- Tracey
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.