Origin & Meaning of the Leighton Surname
What does the last name Leighton mean?
The surname Leighton 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 8,399 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Leighton ranks as the #4,222 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Leighton come from?
The Leighton 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 Leighton name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Leighton 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 | Leighton |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #4,222 |
| US Count (2010) | 8,399 |
| Per 100K People | 2.85 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Leighton
According to the US Census, the Leighton surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 8,399 Americans with the Leighton last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 91.98% |
| Black | 2.07% |
| Hispanic | 2.42% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.58% |
| Native American | 1.21% |
| Two or More Races | 1.74% |
Popularity of Leighton Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Leighton surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Leighton surname increased by 102 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Leighton
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