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Burton Family Genealogy & History

Discover the Global Legacy of the Burton Surname

Burton is a distinguished English surname with habitational origins, derived from the Old English terms "burh" (fort) and "tun" (settlement or enclosure). This suggests that the name was initially associated with a fortified farmstead or village. The Burton surname has been recognized since the early medieval period, marking the beginning of the Burton family tree and establishing its roots in the British Isles.

As centuries passed, the Burton surname evolved and spread significantly within England. By the late medieval period, the name had gained prominence, indicating the Burton families' growing presence in social and economic spheres. This expansion was further propelled by the migration of families seeking opportunities in trade and agriculture, which diversified the lineage and facilitated the surname's proliferation.

The YourRoots dataset affirms the Burton surname's English origins during the early medieval times, aligning with historical records. It highlights the surname's expansion across England and beyond, particularly into the United States by the 17th century. This migration pattern illustrates the Burton family's global spread, enriching the Burton genealogy with diverse branches and connections across continents.

Today, Burton genealogy records are abundant, reflecting the surname's enduring legacy. The YourRoots database offers a treasure trove of information for those exploring their Burton family tree, providing insights into the surname's historical journey and its widespread impact. This comprehensive data serves as a valuable resource for genealogy enthusiasts tracing their Burton lineage.

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Tracing Your Burton Family Lineage

Origin of the Burton Family: Where does the Burton surname come from?

The surname Burton has its earliest known appearance in England during the early medieval period. This initial record signifies the beginning of the Burton family tree, marking a point where genealogical origins can be traced back to the British Isles. The historical context of this period lays the foundation for understanding the family's subsequent growth and migration patterns.

Genealogy and Early Family History of Burton

Throughout the subsequent centuries, the Burton family began to spread, particularly within England, where numerous records indicate a significant presence. Key regions where early Burton family lines can be identified include various parts of England, particularly in areas that became centers of population and commerce. As these families established roots, they expanded branches of their family trees, contributing to the rich tapestry of Burton genealogy.

During the late medieval period, the surname saw a notable increase in frequency, suggesting that the Burton families were not only growing in numbers but also beginning to establish themselves in different social and economic spheres. This expansion was facilitated by the movement of families to new areas for trade, agriculture, and other opportunities, further diversifying the lineage.

Tracing the Burton Family Tree Through the Centuries

As time progressed, the Burton surname began to transcend borders and flourish in new regions, particularly during the early modern period when migration patterns shifted dramatically. By the 17th century, the surname had made a significant impact in the United States, where many Burtons settled and established new family lines, contributing to the growth of the surname across the Atlantic. This global spread continued into the 18th and 19th centuries, with Burtons establishing themselves in various countries and regions, creating a diverse and expansive genealogical network.

The 19th century saw an even greater proliferation of the Burton surname, particularly in North America, as families continued to migrate for better opportunities. This pattern of expansion reflects the broader historical movements of populations, illustrating how the Burton family tree evolved and diversified over generations. Through these centuries, the interconnectedness of families with the Burton surname highlights a rich history that spans multiple continents.

Where to Find Burton Genealogy Records Today

In the modern centuries, the Burton surname has maintained its presence across various regions, particularly in the United States and England. During the 20th century, the name continued to be recorded extensively, allowing for a wealth of genealogical information available to descendants. Readers are encouraged to explore the YourRoots database to uncover their own connections within the Burton family tree and discover the rich history that accompanies their lineage.

Famous People with Burton (and Their Family Tree)

Hilarie Burton

Hilarie Burton

Hilarie Ros Burton Morgan, born July 1, 1982, in Sterling, Virginia, is a renowned American actress and former MTV host. She gained fame as Peyton Sawyer on the hit drama series One Tree Hill, earning three Teen Choice Award nominations. Burton's acting career includes roles in White Collar, Grey's Anatomy, and Lethal Weapon, showcasing her versatility. Her film credits feature Our Very Own and Solstice, and she co-founded Southern Gothic Production. Burton's influence extends to the podcast world as a co-host of Drama Queens, enhancing her media presence and search visibility.

Hilarie Burton's family roots trace back to her father, James William "Bill" Burton, a U.S. Army veteran, and her mother, Lisa Kay Burton, a real estate agent from Minnesota. Born in 1982, Burton is the eldest of four siblings, with three brothers. Her parents married in 1981, establishing a strong family foundation. Raised in Sterling, Virginia, Burton excelled in academics and leadership roles during her high school years, shaping her early life.

LeVar Burton

LeVar Burton

LeVar Burton is a distinguished American actor, director, and television host, renowned for his iconic roles as Geordi La Forge in "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and Kunta Kinte in the seminal miniseries "Roots." Burton also captivated audiences as the host of the beloved educational program "Reading Rainbow" for 23 years, earning numerous accolades, including 12 Daytime Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award. His diverse career includes notable performances in "Ali" and "Looking for Mr. Goodbar," and his narration of "The Autobiography of Martin Luther King Jr." earned him a Grammy Award.

LeVar Burton was born in Landstuhl, West Germany, to Erma Gene, a social worker and educator, and LeVar Sr., a U.S. Army photographer. Raised in Sacramento, California, his family's legacy includes educators and a great-great-grandfather, Hal B. Burton, who was a state legislator in Arkansas post-Reconstruction. This rich heritage has played a significant role in shaping Burton's personal and professional life.

Corey Burton

Corey Burton

Corey Burton is a renowned American voice actor celebrated for his extensive work with The Walt Disney Company and beyond. Known for voicing iconic characters such as Captain Hook, Ludwig Von Drake, and Shockwave in The Transformers, Burton has left an indelible mark on the animation industry. His contributions include roles in the DC Animated Universe as Brainiac, in the Star Wars franchise as Count Dooku and Cad Bane, and as Zeus in both Hercules: The Animated Series and the God of War series. Burton's talent for voice acting has made him a sought-after artist in various animated series, films, and theme park attractions.

Tony Burton

Tony Burton

Anthony Mabron Burton, known for his role as Tony "Duke" Evers in the Rocky films, was an accomplished American actor and former boxer. Burton's notable career highlights include his performances in films such as The Shining and Assault on Precinct 13, alongside guest appearances in popular TV series like Kojak and The A-Team. Before acting, he was a Michigan Golden Gloves heavyweight boxing champion. Burton's transition from boxing to acting was influenced by his time in prison, where acting exercises became therapeutic and led him to pursue an acting career. His work earned him a place in the Greater Flint Afro-American Hall of Fame in 1993, solidifying his legacy in the entertainment industry.

Hubert Burton

Hubert Burton

Hubert Burton is a distinguished English actor celebrated for his diverse roles across film, television, and theatre. Known for his role as Rusbridger in "Living" (2022) and Gerald Middleton in "Rivals" (2024), Burton has made a significant impact on stage and screen. His portrayal of Wyndham Best in "Their Finest" (2016) and participation in the critically acclaimed play "The Inheritance" (2018–2019) have further cemented his reputation. A graduate of The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Burton's career includes notable performances in productions like "Noises Off" and "The Duchess of Malfi," showcasing his versatility and commitment to the craft.

Burton Surname Meaning, Origin, and History

The surname "Burton" has English origins and is derived from a habitational source, indicating it likely originated from a place name. It is a common surname with numerous notable individuals across various fields, including entertainment, politics, sports, and academia.

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Where to Find Genealogy Records for Burton

We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Burton family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Burton surname to learn more.

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