Thornton Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Thornton come from? What does the surname Thornton mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Thornton and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Skehan, Thornber, Thorton
Surname Thornton Origin: What does the last name Thornton mean?
The surname Thornton has its origins in England, United Kingdom, dating back to the early 12th century. Meaning "thorn town," it was first recorded in records from England during this period. The name remained closely associated with England until the early 17th century when its presence grew significantly in the United States, surpassing the United Kingdom in family records. Today, the Thornton surname is found worldwide in countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Ireland, reflecting its global spread.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Thornton surname in the United Kingdom since the early 12th century. The name expanded over the centuries, becoming prominent in the United States and other countries worldwide by the 17th century. The Thornton surname can now be found in various regions globally, showcasing its enduring legacy and widespread distribution. This surname reflects a rich history and continues to be prevalent in diverse cultures and communities around the world.
Thornton Last Name History: Where did the last name Thornton come from?
Origin of Thornton Surname: Where does the last name Thornton originate from?
According to the YourRoots database, the Thornton surname first appeared in records from England, United Kingdom, around the early 12th century. Please note that this reflects only the YourRoots data for the exact “Thornton” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Thornton: What does the Thornton surname history look like in the early days?
The “Thornton” surname remained closely associated with England, United Kingdom from the 12th through the 15th century. However, by the early 17th century, the volume of Thornton family records had grown significantly in the United States, surpassing the United Kingdom. This trend continued into the 18th and 19th centuries, as indicated by the YourRoots database.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Thornton surname today?
Today, the “Thornton” surname is found in many regions worldwide, although its presence remains particularly strong in the United States. YourRoots data shows that the surname appears in several countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Ireland, reflecting its global spread. Please note that these observations are based on the YourRoots database and may not include all instances of the Thornton surname worldwide.
Explore Thornton last name heritage and Thornton surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Thornton Surame?
Melody Thornton
Melody Thornton (Sep 28, 1984 - present) is an American singer and former member of the pop girl group the Pussycat Dolls. She also competed on reality shows like Popstar to Operastar and Dancing on Ice, winning The Masked Singer Australia in 2022.
Tiffany Thornton
Tiffany Dawn Thornton (Feb 14, 1986 - ) is an American former actress, radio personality, and singer known for her role as Tawni Hart on Disney's Sonny with a Chance and So Random! She also worked as a radio host and recruitment advisor.
She made appearances on various shows before landing her Disney role. Thornton is a Texas A&M alumna and a Christian. After the tragic loss of her first husband, she remarried and now has two daughters.
Thomas C. Thornton
Thomas C. Thornton (October 12, 1794 - March 22, 1860) was an American Methodist writer, minister, and educator. He served as president of Centenary College of Louisiana and authored a proslavery tract. Thornton's work reflects a blend of Christian divinity and historical inquiry.
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.