THORNTON
Also recorded as Thornton'
Thornton
Overview
Thornton is a surname of English origin that is primarily locational, derived from various place names in England. The name "Thornton" has Old English roots, with "thorn" meaning thorn bush and "tun" meaning enclosure or settlement. The surname is widespread in the United Kingdom, particularly in the northern regions, and has also been carried to other English-speaking countries by immigrants.
History
The surname Thornton has ancient origins, dating back to the medieval period in England. The name was used to identify individuals who hailed from one of the many villages named Thornton scattered across the English countryside. These settlements were often associated with the presence of thorn bushes or enclosures, giving rise to the name. Over time, individuals bearing the surname spread to different regions of England and eventually to other parts of the world.
Distribution and Variants
The surname Thornton is most commonly found in England, particularly in regions such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Cheshire. Variants of the name, such as Thorne and Thorn, also exist, reflecting the different etymological interpretations of the original place name. The name has traveled to countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand through migration and colonization, contributing to its global presence.
Notable Individuals
- Matthew Thornton (1714–1803): An American physician and politician who signed the United States Declaration of Independence.
- Billy Bob Thornton (b. 1955): An American actor, filmmaker, and musician, known for his roles in films such as "Sling Blade" and "Monster's Ball."
- Melanie Thornton (1967–2001): A German-American pop singer known for her work with the group La Bouche.
There are approximately 24,151 people named Thornton in the UK. That makes it the 340th most common surname in Britain. Around 371 in a million people in Britain are named Thornton.
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
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Caroline
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Julie
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.