What is the origin of the last name Overton?
Countries of origin for the last name Overton
The last name OVERTON is an English surname with deep historical roots. It is a locational name, meaning it originated from a specific place. The name is derived from the Old English words “ofer” and “tun,” which together mean “above the tun,” or “settlement on the bank.” This suggests that the original bearers of the name likely lived near or on the banks of a river.
The earliest recordings of the name can be traced back to the county of Cheshire in England, where the Overton family held a seat at Overton Hall. Over time, the name spread across various regions of England, including Lancashire, Derbyshire, and Shropshire. It is believed that multiple unrelated families adopted the surname independently, leading to the presence of several distinct Overton lineages.
As with many surnames, the spelling of OVERTON has evolved over the centuries. Variations of the name include Overtun, Ovenden, and Overtyne, among others. These alternate spellings reflect regional dialects and the phonetic changes that occurred over time.
The Overton surname has also found its way to the United States through immigration and migration. Many individuals bearing the name arrived in America during the colonial period and later, contributing to the diverse population of the country. Overton families can now be found across the United States, with concentrations in states such as Texas, Virginia, and Tennessee.
While the exact meaning and origin of the surname are known, the specific historical circumstances and stories behind individual bearers of the name remain often elusive. Genealogical research and personal narratives are indispensable in uncovering more about the individuals who carried the OVERTON name throughout history.
In conclusion, the last name OVERTON is an English surname derived from a locational origin. It is associated with settlements near rivers and has spread across various regions of England. The name made its way to the United States through immigration, contributing to the multicultural fabric of the country. While the name’s etymology is clear, the personal histories and stories of individual OVERTONs await further exploration.
Interesting facts about the last name Overton
- The surname Overton is of English origin.
- The name is derived from several different places named Overton in England, such as Overton in Cheshire, Overton in Flintshire, and Overton in Hampshire.
- The etymology of the name Overton can be traced back to the Old English words “ofer,” meaning “bank” or “ridge,” and “tun,” meaning “enclosure” or “settlement.” Thus, the surname Overton signifies a person who lived near or in a settlement on a bank or ridge.
- The surname Overton has variant spellings, including Overden, Overdon, and Ovarn.
- Records of the surname Overton can be found as early as the 13th century in England.
- Overton is a relatively uncommon surname, ranked as the 6,527th most common surname in the United States according to the 2010 census.
- Famous individuals with the surname Overton include American jazz musician Red Overton and English cricketer Maurice Overton.
- The surname Overton has spread beyond England and can be found in other English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia.
- Overton is a place name in the United States, with several towns named Overton located in different states, such as Texas, Nevada, and Tennessee. It’s possible that some individuals with the surname Overton descend from these places.
- The family motto associated with the surname Overton is “Sine Timore,” which translates to “Without fear” in Latin.
Name Rank
#1914
There are around 18820 people with the last name Overton in the US