Origin & Meaning of the Houghton Surname
What does the last name Houghton mean?
The surname Houghton 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 11,184 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Houghton ranks as the #3,228 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Houghton come from?
The Houghton 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 Houghton name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Houghton 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 | Houghton |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,228 |
| US Count (2010) | 11,184 |
| Per 100K People | 3.79 |
| First Letter | H |
Ethnic Distribution of Houghton
According to the US Census, the Houghton surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 11,184 Americans with the Houghton last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 92.52% |
| Black | 2.07% |
| Hispanic | 2.46% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.5% |
| Native American | 0.76% |
| Two or More Races | 1.69% |
Popularity of Houghton Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Houghton surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Houghton surname increased by 165 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Houghton Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Houghton ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
The Complete Story of the Houghton Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Houghton Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Houghton
- ✓ The Houghton coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Houghton families live today
- ✓ Notable Houghton bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
🎁 A heritage keepsake to pass down — perfect as a gift.
Similar Surnames to Houghton
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Houghton.
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 Houghton.
Frequently Asked Questions About Houghton
Top Surnames Starting with H
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter H, ranked by population.
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Houghton surname also look for: