Surname Paxton - Meaning and Origin
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Paxton: What does the surname Paxton mean?
The surname Paxton has roots in ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. This English name is derived from the words "Pœcc's" and "tūn," meaning "Pœcc's village." Pœcc was likely a given name, possibly meaning "trader." Alternatively, the name could be linked to the place Paxton in Hertfordshire or Scotland, meaning exile or settlement in Old English. Over the centuries, many different spellings of the name were used, including Paxton, Paxten, Paxtan, and others. Despite multiple alterations in its spelling, the surname throughout history has been associated with peace and pacifism, from Latin ‘pax’ meaning ‘peace.' In medieval times, tradesmen and holders of this surname played significant roles in social and economic development. With its cultural and historical significance, the last name Paxton reflects heritage and ties to ancestral roots.
Order DNA origin analysisPaxton: Where does the name Paxton come from?
The last name Paxton is most commonly found in the United States. It is derived from the English place name, Paxington, and that is where many of the families bearing the name can trace their origins. The 2000 US Census estimates that the Paxton name is held by about 9,000 people. The name is especially concentrated in the greater Southeast region, particularly in Georgia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas. It is also fairly common in Texas where it is the 198th most common surname.
Though the Paxton surname is more common in the US than in other countries, it is also found in the United Kingdom and Germany. In England, it is most populous in the counties of Kent, Hampshire, and Essex. The geographic distributions suggest an early migration out of the British Isles and into the American Colonies. Some notable people who bear the name Paxton include director and writer, Billy Paxton, Former NFL football quarterback, Jon Paxton, and actor Bill Paxton.
In conclusion, the Paxton surname is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in the Southeast region. It is somewhat more spread out in the British Isles and Germany, but remains a rare surname in most other countries.
Variations of the surname Paxton
The Paxton surname has a few variants, spellings and surnames of similar origin. There are several ways to spell the surname, including Pactsoun, Paxtoun, and Paxston. Other forms of the name include Pactson, Paxten, Pakeson, Paxtin, and Paxtun.
The beautiful double Irish-English surname Paxton is also a nickname for the packhorseman. It is ultimately derived from the Old English word pȳxe, meaning “pack” and “animal”. The surname Paxton was used to denote a person who transported goods, or someone who managed horses or mules.
Other surnames of similar origin are Paddon, Paxon, Packman, Pacman, Pacumber, Packin, Paikin, Pakin, Pack, and Packwood. The synonyms of the surname Paxton including Packer, Packman, Packerino, Packard, and Parkin.
The Paxton surname is quite common, especially in the English Midlands. It is also frequently found in Scotland, Wales, and North America. In Scotland it may be derived from “Doubill Common” town in the county of Orkney.
The Paxton surname is generally believed to have first appeared in England and Scotland during the Middle Ages. It was used as a descriptive or occupational name for someone who transports goods or manages horses. The name was deemed noble and regarded with respect by the general public. This is evidenced by the number of families bearing this surname that managed to hold onto their lands for several hundred years.
The Paxton surname continues to be popular around the world today, with many modern bearers having descended from those with this ancient name.
Famous people with the name Paxton
- Bill Paxton: Legendary Hollywood actor best known for roles in hit films such as Apollo 13, Aliens and Titanic.
- Matthew Paxton: Actor, filmmaker and writer best known for his roles in movies such as Happy Endings and The Greatest Showman.
- Gigi Paxton: Hollywood singer and songwriter best known for her Grammy-nominated single "Glow".
- Robert Paxton: Historian and professor at Columbia University, best known for his writings on the nature and origins of fascism. 5.Vernon Paxton: American football player who played for the San Diego Chargers from 1967 to 1968.
- James Paxton: Canadian professional baseball pitcher who currently plays for the Seattle Mariners.
- Larry Paxton: American musician who has played bass guitar for numerous popular bands, including The Band, Sweetwater and The Allman Brothers Band.
- Jeff Paxton: American actor who has appeared in numerous film and television roles, most notably in The Pacific, Contact and The X-Files.
- Ben Paxton: British actor who has appeared in numerous film and television roles, including in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and The Inbetweeners Movie.
- Kristin Paxton: American actress, producer and writer who has appeared in TV series such as Underemployed and Whitney.