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Surname Clayton - Meaning and Origin

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Tracing Lineage with iGENEA's DNA Test: A Deeper Understanding of the Clayton Surname

There lies an inextricable link between our identities and our lineage, often embodied in our surnames. To unravel the history that flows in my veins, I trusted the iGENEA DNA test. This exploratory journey not only equipped me with a digital database of ancient genetic data but also shone light on the mystical roots of my surname, Clayton.

V. Clayton

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Clayton: What does the surname Clayton mean?

The surname Clayton is of English origin and is derived from various places in England that contain this specific component. The name Clayton translates to "clay settlement" from Old English elements "claeg" meaning clay and "tun" meaning settlement or enclosure. The name likely referred to people living in areas where the soil was predominantly clay, or where there was a clay pit. Clay was highly valued in the past as it was extensively used for various purposes such as making bricks, tiles, and pottery. Therefore, the name might have also denoted someone who worked with clay. Over time, it has evolved to become a surname and is now used worldwide by various families. Like many surnames, individuals with the last name Clayton may not necessarily have any historical or genealogical connections to clay pits or settlements.

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Clayton: Where does the name Clayton come from?

The last name Clayton is of English origin and is derived from an Old English word, “Clēg-tūn,” which means "settlement near the clay pit". It was typically given to people residing in any of the numerous places named Clayton across England. These places got their names because of their location near areas where clay was sourced, which was a significant material for many medieval occupations. In these place names, the element ‘tūn’ represents a farm or settlement or town, whereas ‘clēg’ signifies clay.

Today, the distribution of the Clayton surname is observed worldwide as a result of migration, colonization, and globalization. The Clayton surname is particularly common in English-speaking countries such as England, the United States, Australia, and Canada. According to Forebears, this surname was most prevalent in the United States as of 2014. Furthermore, in England, it reached its highest proportions in County Durham. Notably, it is ranked as the 437th most common surname in the world.

Variations of the surname Clayton

The surname Clayton has its roots in Old English, derived from the words "claeg," meaning clay and "tun," meaning settlement or farm. Variations of spelling for this name include Claiton, Claitun, Cleyton, Cleiton, and Claton. There are also some similar surnames originated from the same old English words such as Cleaton, Cleland and Cleton.

Due to the movement of people and the change in language over centuries, the name Clayton may have adapted according to pronunciation and localization in different regions. For example, in some countries, it might have been altered to Claitinen, Claitten, or even Klaiton.

Further, with the tradition of adding prefixes or suffixes to denote son or daughter of, or from a particular place, there might be variations such as Claytons, Claytonson, or Claytonshire.

Moreover, Clayton can also be found as a first name and it might have also been changed to Clay or Ton for shortening purposes. However, it's important to note that while these variations might have evolved from Clayton, they each have developed their own history and lineage.

Famous people with the name Clayton

  • Adam Clayton: He is a British-Irish musician distinguishingly known as the bass guitarist of the famous rock band, U2.
  • Jan Clayton: She was an American actress and singer recognized for her role in the television series Lassie.
  • Jack Clayton: He was a British film director, known for acclaimed movies like The Innocents (1961) and The Great Gatsby (1974).
  • Merry Clayton: A famous American soul and gospel singer. She provided the powerful female backup vocals in the Rolling Stones song "Gimme Shelter".
  • Buck Clayton: An American jazz trumpeter who was one of the leading members of Count Basie’s "Old Testament" orchestra.
  • Adam Clayton Powell Jr.: He was an American Baptist pastor and politician who became the first person from New York of African American descent to be elected to Congress.
  • Samantha Clayton: A renowned British-American fitness and health expert, former competitive sprinter, and a present senior director of worldwide fitness education at Herbalife.
  • Jay Clayton: An American attorney who served as the Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from 2017-2020.
  • Gary Clayton: An American actor known for his role in films like Teen Beach Movie and Disney's The Fosters.

Other surnames

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