Summary

The surname Compton is of English origin and is derived from the name of various places in England called Compton. It is believed to have originated from the Old English words 'cumb' meaning 'valley' and 'tun' meaning 'enclosure' or 'settlement'. The name has a rich history and was primarily associated with landowners and nobility in medieval England.
There are
35830
Comptons in the USA
Compton is the
971st
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Compton

ArthurH.

Arthur H. Compton was an American physicist who won the Nobel Prize in Physics for his discovery of the Compton effect, which demonstrated the particle-like properties of electromagnetic radiation.

EricCompton

Eric Compton is an American professional golfer who has competed on the PGA Tour and European Tour.

AshleyCompton

Ashley Compton is an American swimmer who specializes in backstroke events and has represented the United States at international swimming competitions.

TecumsehCompton

Tecumseh Compton was a Native American chief of the Shawnee tribe who led a pan-Indian resistance movement against American expansion in the early 19th century.

AliceCompton

Alice Compton is a British actress known for her roles in various stage and screen productions.

GeorgeCompton

George Compton was a British actor and playwright who was active in the early 20th century.

RebeccaCompton

Rebecca Compton is an American fashion designer known for her innovative and sustainable approach to fashion.

ThomasCompton

Thomas Compton was an English nobleman who served as a member of the House of Lords during the medieval period.

AnneCompton

Anne Compton is a Canadian poet and novelist who has received numerous awards for her literary works.

WilliamCompton

William Compton was an English nobleman who served as a close companion and courtier to King Henry VIII.

Compton Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Compton' is of English origin and is derived from a place name meaning 'settlement by the valley.' It was originally used to denote someone from the various places named Compton in England.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Compton' is primarily found in the United States, particularly in states like California, Texas, and Georgia. It also has a presence in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Compton' include 'Compson' and 'Comptone'.
Migration and ImmigrationPeople with the surname 'Compton' have migrated and immigrated to various countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, during periods of colonization and industrialization.