Surname Lyttleton - Meaning and Origin
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Lyttleton: What does the surname Lyttleton mean?
The surname Lyttleton is of English origin and is believed to be derived from a geographical location. It comes from a mixture of Old English words - ‘lytel’ which means 'little' and ‘tun’ referring to 'settlement' or 'village'. So, Lyttleton might signify that the family originated from a small settlement or village. It is a habitational name from places in England such as Frankley and Hagley in Worcestershire, or Arlesey in Bedfordshire, all of which are named Lyttleton in old documents. Many families with this surname have been found in historical records dating back several centuries, especially in areas around Worcestershire. There are alternate spellings of this surname as well including Littleton and Lyttelton, among others. The Lyttleton family has produced several notable personalities throughout history, from politicians and military personnel to artists and athletes.
Order DNA origin analysisLyttleton: Where does the name Lyttleton come from?
The surname Lyttleton is of English origin and comes from the place name Lyttleton, specifically, a location near Abberley in Worcestershire. The name literally means "small town," derived from the old English words "lytel," which means little, and "tun," which means town or settlement. It is generally considered a topographic surname, created to identify people by their geographical location or place of origin.
The Lyttleton family, prominent in Worcestershire's history, were lords of the manors of Frankley and Upper Arley. The town of Lyttleton in New Zealand was also named after George William Lyttelton, an influential figure in British politics and administration.
While the surname can still be found in regions across the United Kingdom, it’s not particularly common. The name has spread to other countries, primarily through emigration. As a result, it may also be found, albeit sparsely, in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. Thus, while Lyttleton retains a place in English history and culture, it cannot be considered prevalent by any means on a global scale today.
Variations of the surname Lyttleton
The surname Lyttleton is of English origin and is a variant spelling of the surname Littleton. While it's rare, some other spellings, variants or anglicized versions of the same name may include Lyttelton, Littelton, Littleon, Lytleton and Littilton. There is also a geographical variation, as different versions of the surname appeared in different areas of England, including counties Worcestershire, Warwickshire, and Somerset. It began as a toponymic surname, derived from the village of Littleton in these counties. Across time and territories, the surname has been subjugated to many different spellings, each one being phonetic in nature and generally dependent upon the accent of the original bearer. Hence, even though these names bear many different spellings, they can trace back their origin to the same root. The Lyttelton family had long-established roots in the Worcestershire area, their family seat being at Frankley, in the Manor of Halesowen. The Barons Lyttelton of Frankley, in the County of Worcester, was a title in the Peerage of Great Britain, and thus the name also carries a significant noble lineage. The Lyttelton family remains prominent in English society, bearing a traditional and historical weight.
Famous people with the name Lyttleton
- Edward Lyttelton: Former England Test cricketer and BBC presenter.
- Charles Lyttelton, 8th Viscount Cobham: Member of the House of Lords and first Chairman of the Arts Council of Great Britain.
- Charlie Lyttelton: Jazz trumpeter and conductor.
- Stephen Lyttelton: British jazz guitarist.
- John Lyttelton: British politician and former Minister of State for the Environment.
- George Lyttleton: English poet and politician.
- Mark Lyttelton: Rock and jazz musician.
- Angela Lyttleton: British TV presenter and actress.
- William Lyttelton, 1st Baron Lyttelton: British politician and statesman.
- George William Lyttelton, 4th Baron Lyttelton: British poet, writer, and antiquarian.