Summary

The surname Morton is believed to have originated from England and Scotland. It is derived from the Old English words 'mor' meaning marsh or moor, and 'tun' meaning settlement. This suggests that the original bearers of the surname lived near or in marshy areas. Over time, the surname Morton spread to other English-speaking countries through migration and colonization. Today, it is a common surname found in various parts of the world.
There are
59213
Mortons in the USA
Morton is the
568th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Morton

ZekeMorton

Zeke Morton was an American baseball player who played as a pitcher for the Cleveland Indians in the 1920s.

EllenMorton

Ellen Morton was a British suffragette and women's rights activist who fought for gender equality in the early 20th century.

HenryMorton

Henry Morton was a Scottish geologist and explorer known for his expeditions to Africa, particularly his discoveries in East Africa and the Great Rift Valley.

SamanthaMorton

Samantha Morton is an English actress known for her powerful performances in films such as 'Sweet and Lowdown' and 'In America,' for which she received Academy Award nominations.

MichaelMorton

Michael Morton is an American man who was wrongfully convicted of his wife's murder and spent 25 years in prison before being exonerated by DNA evidence.

MarcusMorton

Marcus Morton was an American politician who served as Governor of Massachusetts in the 19th century and played a significant role in shaping state policies.

HelenMorton

Helen Morton was an Australian social reformer and advocate for women's rights who fought for suffrage and educational opportunities for women.

ThomasMorton

Thomas Morton was an English colonist and social reformer who established the early settlement of Merry Mount in Massachusetts, known for his progressive ideals and conflicts with colonial authorities.

JuliaMorton

Julia Morton was an American botanist known for her extensive research and publications on the native plants of Florida, particularly their medicinal uses.

DavidMorton

David Morton was a Scottish surgeon and anatomist who made significant contributions to the field of anatomy and medical education in the 18th century.

Morton Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Morton' is of English origin and derives from the Old English personal name 'Morðtun,' which means 'settlement by the marsh or fen.' It was a locational surname given to individuals who lived near or at a place called Morton.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Morton' is found in various English-speaking countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Within the United States, it has a relatively even distribution across multiple states.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Morton' include 'Martin,' 'Morrison,' 'Mortonson,' 'Morison,' 'Morden,' 'Moreton,' 'Mortensen,' 'Moritz,' 'Mortman,' and 'Mortlock.'
Migration and ImmigrationPeople with the surname 'Morton' are known to have migrated and immigrated to various countries, particularly during periods of British colonization and industrialization. They have contributed to the diverse populations of these countries.