Surname Bolton - Meaning and Origin

The iGENEA DNA test: A Journey from the Familiar Bolton Heritage to Global Connection

The iGENEA DNA test has been a transformative journey, altering my understanding of my powerful Bolton heritage and reshaping my view of personal identity. I now see my surname not only as a symbol of my immediate family but as a thread woven into the complex tapestry of humanity.

W. Bolton

Bolton: What does the surname Bolton mean?

The surname Bolton has English origins and is derived from any of several places in England named Bolton, primarily from the one in Greater Manchester. The name "Bolton" itself is derived from Old English, where 'bothl' or 'botl' means a dwelling or manor, and 'tun' means a farm or settlement. Therefore, the meaning is generally thought to signify those who dwelt in or came from a settlement with a manor. During the Middle Ages, the practice of using surnames was common for distinguishing between individuals with the same first name. As families and individuals migrated over time, the use of the surname Bolton spread to different regions, carrying the legacy of its geographical roots. Today, it is identified as being an established and populous surname in the English-speaking world. However, meanings of surnames can vary, and they depend on regional variations, migration patterns, occupational associations, and phonetic and spelling changes that occurred over centuries.

Bolton: Where does the name Bolton come from?

The surname Bolton has English origins and originates from the town of Bolton in Northern England. Specifically, it comes from the Old English words "bothel", meaning high house, and "tun", meaning settlement. The name was initially used to describe someone who came from Bolton, which is common among many British surnames.

The name first appears in records as 'Boelton' in 1185, found in 'The Great Rolls of the Pipe Registers, Lancashire' during the reign of King Henry II. Over the years, the spelling evolved into Bolton.

Today, the surname Bolton is most common in England, specifically in the regions where the towns of Bolton in Lancashire, Cumbria, and Northumberland are located. It's also prevalent in the United States, Australia, and Canada. Many Boltons, like many British, emigrated to those countries during the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. Famous people with the surname include U.S. singer Michael Bolton, Australian politician Robert Bolton, and character Roose Bolton from the TV series Game of Thrones.

Variations of the surname Bolton

The surname Bolton originates from England corresponding to several places with the similar name in the country. The name implies in Old English as a "settlement with a special building".

Several variations and alternative spellings of Bolton includes: Boldon, Boulton, Boulten, Boolton, Bolten, Boltan, Boton, Bolotin, and Boltin. These variant spellings arose over time due to illiteracy and phonetic spelling among early English people. As many could not write, their names were recorded by officials in a way that they sounded, leading to wide variability in spelling.

The surname Bolton is also connected with similar names of other origins. For example, the German surname Bolten is etymologically related and shares similar spellings with Bolton.

It is also important to note that many people, especially during immigration, might have changed the spellings of their surname for better assimilation, leading to many possible variations. These versions reflect the evolution of the surname across different cultures, countries, and languages.

Overall, Bolton and its variants hold rich historical significance and regional influence that shaped their existence and usage today.

Famous people with the name Bolton

• Michael Bolton: An American singer and songwriter known for his soft rock ballads and tenor vocals.
• John Bolton: An American attorney, diplomat, and former national security advisor serving under President Donald Trump.
• John R. Bolton: A British botanist known his influential work on seaweed.
• Gretchen Bolton: An Australian netball player.
• Chadwick Bolton: An American football player.
• Sarah Bolton: An English poet in the 19th century.
• Zack Bolton: An American voice actor.
• Emily Bolton: An English actress who appeared in the James Bond film "Moonraker".
• John Gatenby Bolton: An Australian astronomer.
• Herbert E. Bolton: A notable American historian who pioneered the study of the Spanish-speaking regions of the Americas.
• Mark Bolton: An Australian rules footballer.
• Troy Bolton: Not a real person, but a famous character from the "High School Musical" series, portrayed by Zac Efron.
• Guy Bolton: An English writer and librettist known for his work on musical comedies.
• Chester Bolton: A former American football player and U.S. Representative from Ohio.
• Sandy Bolton: Australian politician.
• Debra Bolton: American university scholar focusing on multicultural education.
• George Bolton: English cricketer in the 1920s.
• Nathaniel Bolton: Early Indiana settler and politician.
• Winter Bolton: Not a real person but character from TV Series X-Men.

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