Origin & Meaning of the Gayton Surname
What does the last name Gayton mean?
The surname Gayton 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 2,557 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Gayton ranks as the #12,186 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Gayton come from?
The Gayton 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 Gayton name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Gayton 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 | Gayton |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #12,186 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,557 |
| Per 100K People | 0.87 |
| First Letter | G |
Ethnic Distribution of Gayton
According to the US Census, the Gayton surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,557 Americans with the Gayton last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 43.76% |
| Black | 18.77% |
| Hispanic | 29.21% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.47% |
| Native American | 4.69% |
| Two or More Races | 3.09% |
Popularity of Gayton Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Gayton surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Gayton surname increased by 191 between 2000 and 2010.
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- ✓ The Gayton coat of arms & heraldry
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Similar Surnames to Gayton
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Gayton.
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 Gayton.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gayton
Top Surnames Starting with G
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter G, ranked by population.
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