Origin & Meaning of the Acton Surname
What does the last name Acton mean?
The surname Acton carries the meaning "From a town or settlement." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 4,892 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Acton ranks as the #6,874 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Acton come from?
The Acton surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Acton name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Acton trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Acton |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #6,874 |
| US Count (2010) | 4,892 |
| Per 100K People | 1.66 |
| First Letter | A |
Ethnic Distribution of Acton
According to the US Census, the Acton surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,892 Americans with the Acton last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 91.86% |
| Black | 1.76% |
| Hispanic | 2.72% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.53% |
| Native American | 0.61% |
| Two or More Races | 1.51% |
Popularity of Acton Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Acton surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Acton surname increased by 226 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Acton Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Acton ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Acton Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Acton Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Acton
- ✓ The Acton coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Acton families live today
- ✓ Notable Acton bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Acton
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Acton.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Acton.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acton
Top Surnames Starting with A
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter A, ranked by population.
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