Surname Fulton - Meaning and Origin

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I. Fulton

Fulton: What does the surname Fulton mean?

The surname Fulton is of Scottish and Irish origin. Derived from a place name, the term "Fulton" means "the field of the enclosure" or "the hill by the field." It is a combination of Old English words, "fuhel", meaning "bird" and "tun" meaning "farmstead or settlement." Hence, it could also simply suggest a farmstead where birds are plentiful. In the Middle Ages, surnames primarily acted as identifiers, helping differentiate people by their occupation, location, or any distinctive personal features. Therefore, a person with this surname likely had ancestors living near such a terrain. The surname Fulton became more common after it was brought to America by Scottish and Irish immigrants. Notable people with this surname include Robert Fulton, the American inventor credited for developing the first commercially successful steamboat.

Fulton: Where does the name Fulton come from?

The last name Fulton is of Celtic origin, deriving from the Old Gaelic personal names "Fulcher" or "Folki". It is mainly Scottish, specifically from Lanarkshire, although it also appeared in England during the Norman invasion in the 11th century. Its meaning is generally considered as "bird hill" or "bright champion". In the United States, the Fulton surname was popularized by Robert Fulton, the inventor of the steamboat, in the early nineteenth century which has led to the name being used for multiple towns, streets, and counties.

Today, the name is common in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States due to migration patterns. Within America, it is most prevalent in the states of Texas, California, and New York. It has also spread to Canada, Australia, and New Zealand due to Scottish and English immigration. Despite its Scottish roots, the name is less common than might be expected in Scotland, where it remains a relatively uncommon surname. The Fulton family history can thus be traced through a mixture of Celtic, English, and American heritages, reflecting a journey of more than a thousand years.

Variations of the surname Fulton

The surname Fulton is of Old Gaelic origin and is found mainly in Northern England and Scotland. It's derived from the Gaelic word "foltan," which means "a small spring."

Variations in the spelling of the surname have existed over the centuries due to factors such as regional dialects and the absence of strict spelling rules in the English language in the Middle Ages. As such, some of the most common variants of the surname Fulton include Fultone, Foltan, Foltin, Fullton, and Foulton. Some of these versions possess different endings such as "-ne," "-an," and "-in" even though they have the same origin.

The surname Fulton has also been Anglicised in different ways taking on other potentially related surnames. These surnames can include Fullerton and Foulerton, where the suffix "-erton" is thought to mean "farm." So, Fulton can have a similar origin as Fullerton and Foulerton, with their meanings potentially relating to "spring farm."

It should be noted that the variants and related surnames can be subject to geographical and regional differences, as different areas may have developed their own unique forms of the surname.

Famous people with the name Fulton

• Robert Fulton: An American engineer and inventor, known for developing the first commercially successful steamboat.
• Maurice Fulton: An American record producer and the brain behind various electronic music projects.
• Dave Fulton: An American comedian known for his stand-up routines.
• Jack Fulton: A Canadian professional ice hockey player.
• James G. Fulton: A U.S. representative from Pennsylvania.
• Charles William Fulton: An American politician and attorney who served in the Oregon Senate.
• John Fulton: An American professional bullfighter and painter.
• Helen Fulton: A former Scottish footballer who played for the Scotland national team.
• Hamilton Fulton: A British engineer known for his work in railway construction.
• Peter Fulton: A New Zealand cricketer.
• William S. Fulton: An American politician who served as a U.S. Senator from Arkansas.
• Charlie Fulton: An American professional wrestler.
• Nicola Fulton: A Scottish actress.
• Richard Fulton: An American politician who served as a U.S. congressman from Tennessee.
• Thomas Scott Fulton: A former Scottish rugby union player.
• John F. Fulton: an American neurophysiologist.

Other surnames

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