Surname Lofton - Meaning and Origin
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Discovering Viking Roots and African Trails in My Lofton Lineage with iGENEA DNA Test
After receiving my iGENEA DNA test results, I found myself eager to uncover my ancestral history. To my surprise, the results reveal unexpected origins and migration patterns pertaining to my surname ‘Lofton’. It unfolds a fascinating narrative of Viking roots, African migrations, and European settlement.
V. Lofton
read moreLofton: What does the surname Lofton mean?
The last name Lofton is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from Old English and primarily found in Northern England. It is a topographic surname, mostly given to someone who lived in or near a loft or attic. The name is a combination of two Old English words - "loft" meaning 'upper room, attic' and "tun" meaning 'town, settlement or homestead'. So, it could also describe someone who lived in the upper part of a town, or in a raised dwelling within a settlement. Like many surnames, Lofton can be traced back to a specific location; in this case, one possibility is Loftus, a parish in North Yorkshire. Alterations in the spelling of the name over time make it challenging to trace the exact lineage. Although the name has Anglo-Saxon roots, it is now found predominantly in the United States.
Order DNA origin analysisLofton: Where does the name Lofton come from?
The surname Lofton is of Old Norse origin. It was first found in Suffolk, England, after the Viking invasions in the 10th century. The name itself is believed to be derived from a Norse personal name "Lofti" coupled with the Old English word "tun," meaning farm or settlement. This suggests that early bearers of Lofton might be from a place named after a settler called Lofti.
The surname was spread throughout England and later carried to other countries like Scotland, Ireland, and the New World (America) through emigration. Today, the name Lofton is more common in the United States than in any other country, particularly in the southern states. The 2010 United States Federal Census records about 16,000 bearers of the surname Lofton. This surname has even been borne by famous individuals such as NFL player James Lofton and American baseball player Kenny Lofton.
Variations of the surname Lofton
The surname Lofton is thought to be of Old Norse origin, with its roots traced back to the Viking invasions of Britain. Alternate spellings and variants of Lofton might include Loftin, Loften, Loftan, Loftun, Loftyn, and North Lofton.
Some researchers suggest that Lofton could also be of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from a geographic location, possibly a 'loft house' or the Old English 'hlof-tun' which means 'farm with a loft'. In this case, alternative versions of the name could also be Loftus or Loftis.
Many surnames have evolved over time due to variations in regional dialects, illiteracy leading to phonetic spelling, and translation between languages. Some branches of a family might have even changed the spelling of their names intentionally to distinguish themselves from others. Thus, it can be challenging to identify all possible variations for a specific surname like Lofton.
Finally, it's important to note that the use and frequency of certain variants are often location or era specific. Some of them might have become obsolete, while new ones could have formed.
Famous people with the name Lofton
- Kenny Lofton: an American former professional baseball outfielder who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for four teams from 1991-2007, a four-time All-Star and Gold Glove Award winner.
- Warren Lofton: an American former professional American football safety and cornerback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for the Denver Broncos, Cincinnati Bengals, and Detroit Lions.
- Vincent Lofton: an American composer and filmmaker who received a nomination for a Daytime Emmy for composing music for the television show Twang Town.
- Barry Lofton: an American actor who has appeared in numerous television series such as Parenthood, Castle and Mad Men.
- Angela Bofill-Lofton: an American singer who had a number of popular R&B and jazz hits in the early 1980s, including "On and On" and "I'm on Your Side."
- Logan Lofton: an American YouTube personality, actor, and singer who has amassed over 1 million subscribers on his channel.
- Ted Lofton: an American professional basketball player who has played for teams overseas.
- Charlezae Lofton: an American visual and media artist, writer, and entrepreneur. Her works have been featured in the New York Times, Forbes, and other international publications.
- Patricia Lofton: an American Broadway, television, and film actress, best known for her role as Dr. Sandra Sutton on the CBS soap opera, The Bold and the Beautiful.
- Heather Lofton: an American television and film actress, most recognized for her roles in Suddenly Susan, Providence and Boston Legal.