Origin & Meaning of the Orton Surname
What does the last name Orton mean?
The surname Orton 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 6,720 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Orton ranks as the #5,201 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Orton come from?
The Orton 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 Orton name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Orton 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 | Orton |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #5,201 |
| US Count (2010) | 6,720 |
| Per 100K People | 2.28 |
| First Letter | O |
Ethnic Distribution of Orton
According to the US Census, the Orton surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 6,720 Americans with the Orton last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 91.98% |
| Black | 2.43% |
| Hispanic | 2.93% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.65% |
| Native American | 0.51% |
| Two or More Races | 1.5% |
Popularity of Orton Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Orton surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Orton surname increased by 474 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Orton Family
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- ✓ The Orton coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Where Orton families live today
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- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Orton
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Orton.
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 Orton.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orton
Top Surnames Starting with O
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter O, ranked by population.
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