Norton Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Norton come from? What does the surname Norton mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Norton and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Norton Origin: What does the last name Norton mean?
The Norton surname originated in England, stemming from the Old English words nor‚àö√¶ + tun, meaning North settlement. This surname was commonly given to individuals from villages or areas with "Norton" in the name, distinguishing them based on their location. It can also be linked to Celtic and Jewish origins, with variations such as Naughtan and Norden. The name Norton is the 660th most common surname in Great Britain, with concentrations in Lancashire, North Lanarkshire, and other regions. In Ireland, the surname has both Irish and English roots, with notable descendants like the Nortons of Athlone.
YourRoots data indicates the presence of the Norton surname in England dating back to the early 12th century. As the centuries passed, the surname expanded globally, reaching countries like the United States and Ireland by the 17th century. Today, the Norton surname can be found in various countries worldwide, showcasing its widespread distribution and cultural significance. This enduring surname reflects a diverse history and continues to be a part of many different communities around the world.
Norton Last Name History: Where did the last name Norton come from?
Origin of Norton Surname: Where does the last name Norton originate from?
The earliest recorded instance of the surname Norton in our YourRoots database was found in England, United Kingdom, dating back to the early 12th century. Please be aware that this data point pertains specifically to the Norton surname as spelled, and does not include variations or information from other sources.
History of the Last Name Norton: What does the Norton surname history look like in the early days?
The Norton surname was primarily associated with England from the 12th to the 15th century, as per the records in our YourRoots database. This signifies that the Norton lineage was primarily based in the United Kingdom during this period. However, by the 17th century, the Norton surname had begun to appear frequently in the United States too.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Norton surname today?
In the 16th century, the frequency of Norton surname records began to grow significantly in the United States, and by the 17th century, it had overtaken the United Kingdom in terms of volume. This trend carried on into the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, while the Norton surname continues to be common in the United States and the United Kingdom, it can also be found in various other countries around the world. Even though our YourRoots database does not provide a comprehensive global list, it does indicate a wide presence of the Norton surname.
Explore Norton last name heritage and Norton surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Norton Surame?
Edward Norton
Edward Harrison Norton (August 18, 1969 - ) is an American actor, producer, director, and screenwriter. He gained fame for his roles in films like "Primal Fear," "American History X," and "Fight Club." Norton has also starred in big franchises like "Marvel's The Incredible Hulk" and "The Bourne Legacy." Apart from his acting career, he is an environmental activist and social entrepreneur, serving as a trustee for non-profit organizations advocating for affordable housing and biodiversity. Norton's versatility and talent have earned him critical acclaim and multiple award nominations throughout his career.
Graham Norton
Graham William Walker (April 4, 1963 - present), known as Graham Norton, is an Irish comedian, broadcaster, actor, and writer. He is best known for hosting the comedy chat show "The Graham Norton Show" and serving as the BBC's television commentator for the Eurovision Song Contest. Norton has won multiple BAFTA TV Awards and is recognized for his flamboyant style and witty dialogue. He has also appeared in sitcoms like "Father Ted" and served as a judge on "RuPaul's Drag Race UK." Norton's humor and charm have made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
Ken Norton
Kenneth Howard Norton Sr. (Aug 9, 1943 – Sep 18, 2013) was an American actor and professional boxer known for his fights with Muhammad Ali. He won the WBC world heavyweight championship in 1978 and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1992.
Kerry Norton
Kerry Elizabeth Norton (October 11, 1972 - ) is a British actress and singer known for her roles in popular TV series like "Battlestar Galactica" and "Sabrina the Teenage Witch". She also released an album titled "Young Heart" in 2005. Norton is married to actor Jamie Bamber and they have three daughters.
Emperor Norton
Joshua Abraham Norton (February 4, 1818 – January 8, 1880) was a colorful figure in San Francisco history who famously declared himself "Emperor of the United States" in 1859. Known as Emperor Norton, he captured the public's imagination with his eccentric proclamations and imperial presence. Despite his lack of formal power, Norton was treated with respect and even had currency issued in his name honored in some establishments. He became a beloved figure in San Francisco and inspired characters in works by Mark Twain, Neil Gaiman, and others. Norton's reign as emperor may have been unofficial, but his impact on the city's culture and folklore was undeniable.
All images displayed on this page are sourced from Wikipedia or Wikimedia Commons.We use these images under their respective Creative Commons or public domain licenses. Wherever applicable, author attributions and license information are provided. If you believe an image is used incorrectly or outside its license terms, please contact us so that we can review and correct the issue.