Origin & Meaning of the Sutton Surname
What does the last name Sutton mean?
The surname Sutton 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 90,964 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Sutton ranks as the #341 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Sutton come from?
The Sutton 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 Sutton name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Sutton 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 | Sutton |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #341 |
| US Count (2010) | 90,964 |
| Per 100K People | 30.84 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Sutton
According to the US Census, the Sutton surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 90,964 Americans with the Sutton last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 72.77% |
| Black | 21.7% |
| Hispanic | 2.13% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.48% |
| Native American | 0.68% |
| Two or More Races | 2.24% |
Popularity of Sutton Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Sutton surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Sutton surname increased by 3,591 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Sutton Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Sutton ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Sutton Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Sutton Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Sutton
- ✓ The Sutton coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Sutton families live today
- ✓ Notable Sutton bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Sutton
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Sutton.
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 Sutton.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sutton
Top Surnames Starting with S
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter S, ranked by population.
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