New Post
Search
Help
ArchivesWhat does 'Leighton' mean?
I've heard it's old english, meaning 'of the fields'. Can you confirm/deny? It is pronounced 'Layton'.
1
Replies
Actually, the "Leigh" in "Leighton" has more to do with leeks than with leas (fields).
Two separate, authoritative reference sources on surnames (Elsdon C. Smith and Hanks & Hodges) both agree that the "Leigh" in this case comes from the the Old English word "leac" (meaning "a leek" -- the edible herb), and that the "ton" comes from the Old English word "tun" (meaning "a settlement; town").
So, "Leighton" means "He who comes from the town where they grow leeks".
-- Nanaea
Two separate, authoritative reference sources on surnames (Elsdon C. Smith and Hanks & Hodges) both agree that the "Leigh" in this case comes from the the Old English word "leac" (meaning "a leek" -- the edible herb), and that the "ton" comes from the Old English word "tun" (meaning "a settlement; town").
So, "Leighton" means "He who comes from the town where they grow leeks".
-- Nanaea
1