Surname Stockton - Meaning and Origin
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Plunging into history: My ancestral journey with the Stockton lineage through iGENEA DNA test
Traversing back in time through the iGENEA DNA test, I discovered the intricate Viking heritage deeply interwoven in the Stockton lineage. From its Viking roots in the 8th century to its influence in medieval England and eventually its mark on the United States, the history of the Stocktons is a rich tapestry reflecting the evolution of societies across eras and continents.
Y. Stockton
read moreStockton: What does the surname Stockton mean?
Stockton is an English surname, likely of geographic origin from any of the numerous places in England named Stockton. The name "Stockton" is thought to be derived from the Old English term "Stoc," meaning log or wooden post, and "tun," denoting an enclosure, farm, or settlement. Therefore, the surname may be understood to denote a settler, tenant, or dweller at a farm or place characterized by such a feature. The practice of using place names to derive surnames was common, as people often moved from one place to another and were then identified by the place they came from. Over time, place names often evolved into family names.
Order DNA origin analysisStockton: Where does the name Stockton come from?
The last name Stockton is most common in the United States, with the highest concentration in the state of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania is home to the highest number of Stocktons, making up roughly 15% of the population with the last name. Other states where the Stockton name is common are Virginia, New Jersey, Ohio, West Virginia, and Michigan.
In Pennsylvania, the majority of Stocktons can be found in Allegheny County, Philadelphia County, and York County. About 3 out of every 4 Stocktons in Pennsylvania reside in these 3 counties.
Perhaps the most common place to find Stocktons in the US is the city of Philadelphia. The Stockton family has quite a history here, with many of the earliest Stocktons in the area dating back to the 1700s. This family’s history in Philadelphia is documented in biographies, historical records, and cemeteries.
In addition to Pennsylvania, Stockton is a fairly common name in Great Britain and Canada, although not as common as in the US. In the UK, the highest concentration of Stocktons can be found in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The Stockton name is also popular in the Canadian territories of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Overall, the Stockton name is prominent in the United States, especially Pennsylvania, but is also popular in other parts of the world, including Great Britain and Canada.
Variations of the surname Stockton
The surname Stockton originates from a geographically identified place or locality. The place likely took its name from either a stream that ran through it, or a manor surrounded by a stockade (“Stok”).
Variants and spellings of the surname include: Stoketon, Stokton, Stoketun, Stoketon, Stocketon, Stocketun, Stokkton, Stokktonn, Stocketon, Stockett, Stokett and Stockett.
Surnames of similar origin include: Stokely, Stopford, Stocker, Stockney, Stockhall, Stockham, Stockdale, Stockbridge, Stocker, Stocking, Stockbridge, Stocker and Stokeford.
The most commonly used spelling of the name Stockton, however, is Stockton. This variant has become so widespread because of the many localities and towns across the United States and Canada named after Admiral Robert Stockton, an officer in the United States Navy who fought in the Mexican-American War, as well as a signer of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
The most widely used variants and spellings of Stockton then are Stockton, Stokely, Stopford, Stocker and Stockham. The most common surname of similar origin to Stockton is Stokely.
Famous people with the name Stockton
- John Stockton: Retired NBA point guard and head coach. He is 10x NBA All-Star.
- Hannah Stockton: Professional tennis player
- Donald Stockton: Award-winning American composer and professional music educator.
- Bob Stockton: Baseball pitcher and coach.
- Jack Stockton: Retired NFL player.
- Charles Stockton: US Navy admiral.
- Greg Stockton: Distinguished US Army serviceman, Medal of Honor winner, and politician.
- Rob Stockton: Cartoonist and animator.
- Mark Stockton: Retired professional basketball player.
- Fannie Stockton: Activist and surgeon in the 19th century who was a pioneer for civil rights.