Origin & Meaning of the Payton Surname
What does the last name Payton mean?
The surname Payton 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 23,670 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Payton ranks as the #1,515 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Payton come from?
The Payton 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 Payton name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Payton 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 | Payton |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,515 |
| US Count (2010) | 23,670 |
| Per 100K People | 8.02 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Payton
According to the US Census, the Payton surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 23,670 Americans with the Payton last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 53.59% |
| Black | 39.93% |
| Hispanic | 2.36% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.36% |
| Native American | 0.86% |
| Two or More Races | 2.9% |
Popularity of Payton Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Payton surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Payton surname increased by 897 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Payton
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