Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Help
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • Start a New Tree
      • Person Preview
      • Membership
      • Family Trees Support
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Voter Lists
      • Birth, Marriage & Death
      • Military
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Directories & Member Lists
      • Public Member Trees
      • Convict, Criminal, Land & Wills
      • Member Search
      • Card Catalogue
      Loading
      • StoryScout
      Loading
      • Buy a DNA Kit
      • Register a Kit
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • About Us
      • Ancestry Blog
      • Gift Memberships
      • Site Map
      • © 2006-2026 Ancestry
      • Updated Privacy
      • Updated Terms and Conditions
      • Cookies
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Lawton

      Origin

      English, Likely from Old English

      Meaning

      Hill Town or Settlement on A Hill

      Variations

      Lanton, Latona, Lawson
      The name Lawton derives from Old English, combining the elements hlāw, meaning hill, and tun, which means town or settlement. Thus, it is often interpreted as hill town or settlement on a hill. This etymology reflects the natural geography of early settlements, where communities often developed in elevated areas for defensive advantages and vantage points.

      Lawton has historical roots in England, where it was initially used as a toponym to designate locations characterized by hilly terrains. Over the centuries, the name became more than just a geographic descriptor; it evolved into a surname and later into a given name. Various records show Lawton as a surname in the English nobility and among landowners from the medieval period onward, embedding it into the tapestry of English history.

      Today, Lawton is utilized both as a surname and as a first name in English-speaking countries. It appears frequently in genealogical records and contemporary contexts, symbolizing a connection to heritage and place. Additionally, Lawton may be found as part of community names, such as in Lawton, Oklahoma, demonstrating its continued relevance in modern society. While its geographical meaning remains, it also embodies a sense of identity for individuals and families who carry the name.

      Based on our records...

      Smith

      This is the most common surname associated with Lawton.

      Mary

      This is the most common name of those married to a Lawton.

      Lawton

      This is the most common name for a child of a Lawton.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1900 is when there were the most people born with the first name Lawton.

      Explore the origins of another name.