Origin & Meaning of the Morton Surname
What does the last name Morton mean?
The surname Morton 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 59,213 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Morton ranks as the #568 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Morton come from?
The Morton 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 Morton name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Morton 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 | Morton |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #568 |
| US Count (2010) | 59,213 |
| Per 100K People | 20.07 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Morton
According to the US Census, the Morton surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 59,213 Americans with the Morton last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 74.0% |
| Black | 19.74% |
| Hispanic | 2.45% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.66% |
| Native American | 0.86% |
| Two or More Races | 2.29% |
Popularity of Morton Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Morton surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Morton surname increased by 425 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Morton Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Morton ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Morton
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Morton.
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 Morton.
Frequently Asked Questions About Morton
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Morton surname also look for: