Surname Hyltons - Meaning and Origin

Hyltons: What does the surname Hyltons mean?

The surname Hylton is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is topographical, usually given to someone who lived on a Hill or high ground. The name is derived from the Old English pre 7th Century elements "hyll", meaning a hill, and "tun", meaning an enclosure or settlement, translating to 'settlement on a hill'.

There are two main locations associated with this surname, both named 'Hylton', one in Durham and the other one in Yorkshire, North East England. The surname is predominantly found in the north of England, reflecting the geography of these settlements.

The Hylton family, from the Durham location, was once one of the most powerful families of the area, and their name is preserved in several local landmarks, including Hylton Castle.

As a surname, Hylton may be spelt in different ways, including Hilton, Helton, and Heltone, demonstrating regional variations and changes across centuries. It's important to note that the meaning or historical context of a surname may not necessarily apply to all individuals carrying the surname today.

Hyltons: Where does the name Hyltons come from?

The surname Hyltons originates from the United Kingdom, likely derived from the name of a location. More specifically, it is believed to have come from North East England, tied to Hylton Castle located in Sunderland. The Hylton family were prominent local landowners and their legacy is still remembered in the area today. Throughout centuries, as people moved or migrated, the surname has spread across different parts of the world.

Today, the surname has a strong presence in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Jamaica. The United States Census Bureau data shows that the surname Hyltons is quite common in states such as New York, Florida, and Virginia. Furthermore, in the Caribbean region, the surname is quite popular in Jamaica due to the British colonial influence, the movement of enslaved people, and the migration patterns during various historical periods.

Variations of the surname Hyltons

The surname Hyltons evolved over centuries appearing in many different variations depending on factors such as region, language, literacy level, and personal preference. Some of the known variants include Hilton, Hulton, Hiltons, and Hylton.

The surname is of English origin, and was initially used as a locational name, referring to people who resided in or near the town of Hilton, for instance, in areas such as Durham, Staffordshire, or Derbyshire in England.

Hylton was also written as "Hilton" on many occasions due to changes in linguistic characteristics over time or personal interpretations of scribes, copyists, and clerks. Therefore, many original records from older periods may have the name spelled as 'Hilton.'

In terms of surnames of the same origin, other English locational surnames such as Preston, Clayton, or Norton could be considered. Each of these names, like Hyltons, derive from specific locations in England, and contain the Old English 'tun' meaning 'farm' or 'settlement.'

However, while these other surnames share a similar linguistic origin, they may not share a common genealogical origin, i.e., they do not necessarily denote relation by blood or marriage to the Hyltons family.

Famous people with the name Hyltons

• Kris Hylton: British track and field sprinter
• Eugene Hylton: American former actor
• Sherrod Hylton: American former sprinter
• Dee Hylton: British actress
• Meg Hylton: American professional basketball player
• Rhyan Hylton: Jamaican professional footballer
• Kenny Hylton: American former college and professional football player
• Jay Hylton: American former professional football player
• Chandler Hylton: English professional football player
• Hylton Collens: American actor
• Jaylen Hylton: American football player
• Jessica Hylton: British former long jumper
• Terrance Hylton: Jamaican reggae singer
• Ray Hylton: American jazz vibraphonist
• Dan Hylton- American founder of the Hyltons Bicycle Company
• Sally Hylton: New Zealand based film director and actress

Other surnames

Hylton