Origin & Meaning of the Alton Surname
What does the last name Alton mean?
The surname Alton 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 4,565 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Alton ranks as the #7,305 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Alton come from?
The Alton 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 Alton name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Alton 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 | Alton |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #7,305 |
| US Count (2010) | 4,565 |
| Per 100K People | 1.55 |
| First Letter | A |
Ethnic Distribution of Alton
According to the US Census, the Alton surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,565 Americans with the Alton last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 84.42% |
| Black | 5.54% |
| Hispanic | 6.0% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.18% |
| Native American | 0.66% |
| Two or More Races | 2.19% |
Popularity of Alton Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Alton surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Alton surname increased by 361 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Alton
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