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.
Discover Your Bolton Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Bolton ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Bolton Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Bolton Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Bolton
- ✓ The Bolton coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Bolton families live today
- ✓ Notable Bolton 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 Bolton
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Bolton.
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 Bolton.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bolton
Top Surnames Starting with B
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter B, ranked by population.
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