Shelton

Shelton is a distinguished surname of British origin, believed to have derived from several possible place names in England. The name is predominantly found in the West Midlands region, particularly in Staffordshire and Shropshire counties.

The etymology of the surname can be traced back to the Old English words "scylf", meaning a shelf or ledge, and "tun", referring to an enclosure or settlement. Therefore, Shelton likely originally denoted a person who hailed from a village situated by a ledge or shelf-like structure.

Historical records indicate that the name Shelton has been present in England since at least the 12th century, with early instances of the surname recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over the centuries, individuals bearing the Shelton name have been noted for their contributions in various fields, including literature, politics, and the arts.

Notable figures with the surname Shelton include Thomas Shelton (c. 1600–1650), an English translator renowned for his translation of Miguel de Cervantes' classic work, "Don Quixote". Additionally, Dame Anne Shelton (1927–1994) was a well-known British jazz and traditional pop music singer celebrated for her recordings during the mid-20th century.

Today, the Shelton surname continues to endure, carried by numerous individuals across the United Kingdom and beyond, highlighting its enduring legacy and significance in British history and genealogy.

There are approximately 6,821 people named Shelton in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,381st most common surname in Britain. Around 105 in a million people in Britain are named Shelton.

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
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard

Female

  • Alison
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Joanne
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Lisa
  • Margaret
  • Nicola
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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