Tarlton

Overview

Tarlton is an English surname of Anglo-Saxon origin. The name is locational and derives from either the village of Tarleton in Lancashire or from Tarrant Hinton in Dorset, with the former being the more likely origin. The village of Tarleton in Lancashire is believed to have derived its name from the Old English word "tæther" meaning tether and "tun" meaning settlement, indicating a settlement where animals were tethered.

History

The surname Tarlton first appears in historical records in the early 13th century. One of the earliest recorded instances is of a Reginald de Tarlton, a landowner in Lancashire in 1205. Over the centuries, the surname Tarlton spread to other parts of England, including Dorset and Yorkshire. Several notable individuals have borne the surname Tarlton, with records of Tarlton families residing in different counties across England.

Distribution

The surname Tarlton is most commonly found in the counties of Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Dorset, where the ancestral connections to the name are strongest. However, Tarlton families can also be found in various other regions across the United Kingdom and overseas, particularly in former British colonies.

Notable People

  • Richard Tarlton (c. 1530–1588): An English actor and comedian known for his work in the Elizabethan theatre. He was a popular performer and a member of the Queen's Men acting troupe.
  • Sir Thomas Tarlton (1767–1845): A British naval officer who served during the Napoleonic Wars and later went on to have a successful career as a politician.

Modern-Day

The surname Tarlton continues to be present in contemporary society, with individuals bearing the name found in a variety of professions and walks of life. Genealogical research into the Tarlton surname has also gained popularity, with many individuals seeking to trace their ancestry back to the early bearers of the name.

In conclusion, the surname Tarlton has a long history in England, with an origin tied to specific locations. The name has endured through the centuries and remains a unique and noteworthy part of British heritage.

There are approximately 221 people named Tarlton in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around three in a million people in Britain are named Tarlton.

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

  • David
  • Edward
  • Geoffrey
  • Jack
  • James
  • Jason
  • John
  • Nicholas
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Simon

Female

  • Carol
  • Carolyn
  • Dorothy
  • Elizabeth
  • Gillian
  • Jane
  • Joyce
  • Karen
  • Katherine
  • Michelle
  • Polly
  • Ruth
  • Sarah
  • Sharon

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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