Origin & Meaning of the Bolton Surname
What does the last name Bolton mean?
The surname Bolton 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 32,815 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Bolton ranks as the #1,068 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Bolton come from?
The Bolton 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 Bolton name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Bolton 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 | Bolton |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,068 |
| US Count (2010) | 32,815 |
| Per 100K People | 11.12 |
| First Letter | B |
Ethnic Distribution of Bolton
According to the US Census, the Bolton surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 32,815 Americans with the Bolton last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 73.52% |
| Black | 20.94% |
| Hispanic | 2.4% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.54% |
| Native American | 0.52% |
| Two or More Races | 2.1% |
Popularity of Bolton Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Bolton surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Bolton surname increased by 820 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bolton
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