What is the origin of the last name Melton?

The last name Melton has its origin in Old English, deriving from the combination of the personal name Maeldun (meaning "cross-hill") and the Old English word tun (meaning "enclosure" or "settlement"), indicating a place name. This surname is primarily locational, referring to individuals who hailed from Melton, a village in various counties across England. Over time, Melton has evolved and diversified, resulting in variant spellings such as Meltone and Melting. Throughout history, individuals bearing the surname Melton have made significant contributions to various fields, leaving a lasting imprint on records of genealogy and historical research.

Countries of origin for the last name Melton

The last name Melton has an ancient origin with roots in both English and Scottish history. The name is a locational surname, derived from the places called Melton that can be found in various parts of England. The most notable of these places is Melton Mowbray, a town in Leicestershire, England. The name Melton is also derived from the Old English word “mele,” meaning sandbank, and “tūn,” meaning settlement or farmstead.

One of the earliest recordings of the surname Melton can be traced back to the Domesday Book of 1086, a comprehensive survey commissioned by William the Conqueror to assess the wealth and landholdings of England. This document recorded a person named “Hosein de Melton” as a landowner in Yorkshire. The surname Melton was subsequently recorded in various parts of England, including Lincolnshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, many people bearing the surname Melton immigrated to the American colonies. They became part of the early English settlements in Virginia and Maryland, establishing themselves as farmers and landowners. Over time, the name spread across the United States, as descendants of these early settlers migrated to different parts of the country.

Etymologically, the surname Melton can be analyzed further. The Old English word “mele” from which it is derived has associations with the idea of a sandy or gravelly hill. This interpretation aligns with the geographical features of Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire, which was situated on sandy land. Additionally, the suffix “tūn” suggests a settlement or farmstead, indicating that Melton may have initially referred to a farmstead located on sandy or gravelly soil.

In Scotland, the surname Melton has a different origin. It is derived from the Gaelic word “meal,” meaning a stony or gravelly place. This Scottish variation of the name is most commonly found in the region of Aberdeenshire. The connection between the Scottish Melton and the English Melton is likely due to the shared geographical characteristics of these areas.

Today, the surname Melton is fairly common in the United States, with significant populations in Southern states such as Texas, Georgia, and Mississippi. The name has also spread to other parts of the country, including California and Illinois. The prominence of the surname can be attributed to the early settlers who bore the name, their descendants, and ongoing migration patterns.

While the meaning and origins of the last name Melton are rooted in historical and geographical contexts, the personal significance and individual stories associated with the name remain to be explored. Each person who bears the surname Melton carries a part of its rich history and has the potential to uncover unique family narratives that add depth and complexity to the name’s broader significance.

Interesting facts about the last name Melton

  • The surname Melton is of English origin.
  • It is derived from the Old English words “mǣl” meaning “mark” or “boundary” and “tūn” meaning “enclosure” or “settlement.”
  • Melton is a locational surname, often indicating that the original bearer of the name was from a place called Melton.
  • There are several places called Melton in England, including Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire, Melton Constable in Norfolk, and Melton Ross in Lincolnshire.
  • The surname Melton can also be found in Scotland, where it is often derived from the place name Milton, meaning “settlement by a mill” in Scots Gaelic.
  • Over the centuries, variations of the surname Melton have developed, including Meltonby, Meltonhead, and Miln.
  • The surname Melton has been recorded since the 11th century, making it an ancient and enduring name.
  • Notable individuals with the surname Melton include American actress Camryn Melton and British journalist and author James Melton.
  • Today, the surname Melton is relatively rare, but it can be found scattered throughout English-speaking countries.

Name Rank

#688

There are around 50069 people with the last name Melton in the US

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