Acton Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Acton come from? What does the surname Acton mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Acton and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Acton Origin: What does the last name Acton mean?
The surname "Acton" is of English origin, with records dating back to the early 12th century in England. Derived from YourRoots data, the Acton surname has remained closely associated with England from the 12th to the 16th centuries. Over time, Acton family records have been found in countries like the United States, indicating a global spread of the surname.
YourRoots data confirms that the Acton surname has a significant presence in the United Kingdom since the early 10th century. The name has expanded over the centuries and can now be found in various countries worldwide, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Ireland. This widespread distribution of the Acton surname showcases its enduring legacy and historical significance across different regions and cultures.
Acton Last Name History: Where did the last name Acton come from?
Origin of Acton Surname: Where does the last name Acton originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Acton first appeared in records from England around the early 12th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Acton spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Acton: What does the Acton surname history look like in the early days?
The Acton surname remained closely associated with England from the 12th to the 16th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Acton family records in countries like the United States, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Acton surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Acton surname grew significantly in the United States. The Acton surname remains prominent in the United States. It appears in many countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Ireland.
Explore Acton last name heritage and Acton surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Acton Surame?
Brian Acton
Brian Paul Acton (Feb 17, 1972 - ) is an American business executive and computer programmer known for co-founding WhatsApp, a mobile messaging application acquired by Facebook for $19 billion. He later founded the Signal Foundation, dedicated to private communication through an encrypted messaging app. Acton is also a philanthropist, with his foundation supporting low-income families and charitable causes. His net worth is estimated at $2.5 billion, making him one of the richest individuals globally. Acton's career spans from working at Yahoo! to leading successful tech ventures, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to privacy in the digital age.
John Dalberg-Acton, 1st Baron Acton
John Emerich Edward Dalberg-Acton, 1st Baron Acton (10 Jan 1834 – 19 Jun 1902) was an English historian, Liberal politician, and writer known as Lord Acton. He famously wrote, "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely," advocating for individual liberty and limiting governmental power. Acton's deep love of historical research and political liberalism shaped his views on freedom and governance. He traveled extensively, engaging with intellectual figures across Europe and showing a strong interest in U.S. politics during the Civil War. While his sympathies lay with the Confederacy, his legacy continues to influence discussions on power, authority, and personal liberty.
Anna Acton
Anna Louise Acton (born Jan 29, 1977) is an English actress known for her roles as Rochelle Barratt in The Bill and DC Emma Summerhayes in EastEnders. She also appeared in Family Affairs, Doctors, Hollyoaks, and Casualty. Acton starred in the CBeebies show Topsy and Tim and the UK-based film Birches. She is married to actor Ben Hull and has two daughters. Acton continues to act in various TV shows and films, showcasing her talent and versatility in the entertainment industry.
Harold Acton
Sir Harold Mario Mitchell Acton (5 Jul 1904 – 27 Feb 1994) was a British writer, scholar, and aesthete known for his diverse literary works. Born in Italy to an Anglo-Italian family, Acton studied in Oxford and co-founded The Oxford Broom magazine. His historical studies on the Medicis and Bourbons were highly acclaimed. Acton's cultural impact extended to Paris, London, and Florence, where he restored his childhood home, Villa La Pietra. Knighted in 1974, he left a lasting legacy by bequeathing La Pietra to New York University.
Eliza Acton
Eliza Acton (17 Apr 1799 – 13 Feb 1859) was an English food writer and poet known for producing one of Britain's first cookery books, "Modern Cookery for Private Families." Her book revolutionized the way recipes were presented by listing ingredients and suggested cooking times. Acton also introduced the first English recipes for Brussels sprouts and spaghetti. Despite being overshadowed by Isabella Beeton's book, Acton's work influenced many prominent English cooks of the 20th century. Born in Sussex, Acton ran a girls' boarding school before publishing her cookery book in 1845, aimed at middle-class families. She later released "The English Bread-Book for Domestic Use," focusing on the history of bread-making in England.
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