Summary

Originating from the Old English word meaning 'oak tree settlement', the surname Acton has a rich history. It is believed to have been used as a locational surname to identify individuals who lived in or near a place called Acton. The name has been traced back to medieval England and has since spread across different countries.
There are
4892
Actons in the USA
Acton is the
6874th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Acton

HaroldActon

An English writer and aesthete, known for his extensive art collection and writing on Italian culture.

JohnEmerich

A prominent historian and moralist, famously known for coining the phrase 'Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.'

ElizaActon

An English cook and poet, renowned for her cookbook 'Modern Cookery for Private Families' which impacted the development of modern British cuisine.

RichardActon

A British Army officer who served as Chief of the General Staff, known for his leadership during the Crimean War.

JanetActon

A British mathematician and computer scientist, recognized for her contributions to the development of computer programming languages.

Acton Genealogy

OriginsThe surname Acton originated from several places in England, including Acton in Cheshire, Shropshire, Middlesex, and Suffolk. It is derived from the Old English word 'ac+tun', meaning 'oak farm' or 'settlement by the oaks.'
Geographic DistributionActon is a common place name in many English-speaking countries and can be found in various states, provinces, and regions around the world.
VariationsVariations of the surname Acton include Aghton, Aiston, Acketon, and Aketon.
Migration and ImmigrationMigration and immigration involving individuals with the surname Acton occurred over different periods and locations. Notably, Acton families migrated and settled in North America during the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly in the English colonies of Virginia and Massachusetts. The reasons for migration varied, including economic opportunities, religious freedom, and exploration.