Burton Surname Meaning & Origin
What the Burton last name means, where the surname began and where it was first recorded.
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Meaning and origin of the Burton last name
Meaning of the Burton last name: from Burton, "fortified farmstead". Burton comes from one of the many English places called Burton, from Old English burh, "fort", and tūn, "farmstead, settlement". The name could mean a farm by a fortified place. Burton upon Trent, famous for brewing, is the best known. With so many places of the name, Burton arose independently in Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Staffordshire and other counties. The explorer Richard Burton and the actor Richard Burton both carried it to fame. The Old English word burh was used for Roman forts, Anglo-Saxon fortified towns and manor houses, so places called Burton had a variety of origins. Medieval records show de Burton from the 12th century. The name is particularly common in the north Midlands and Yorkshire. Burton families emigrated early to Virginia and New England.
Our historical archives hold much more on the Burton name: dates, names and records of early bearers.
This overview covers the Burton name in England. We also hold records of the name in other countries, such as the United States, Australia and Canada; your full pack is researched for your family's country of origin.
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The researched Burton pack traces meaning, early bearers and migration routes, and includes a personalized Burton coat of arms.
Burton name FAQ
What does the Burton name mean?
From Burton, "fortified farmstead". Common variants include Bourton, Burtin, Berton.
Where does the Burton surname come from?
It originates in England, and is also found in the United States, Australia and Canada.
Is there a Burton coat of arms?
Arms were granted to individuals, not whole surnames, so there is no single Burton crest. Herald Lab paints a personalized Burton coat of arms based on historic heraldry.
Researched by Herald Lab Research Studio, since 1993. Sources: Reaney & Wilson, Dictionary of English Surnames; Dictionary of American Family Names (Oxford); US Census Bureau 2010.