Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • All Collections
      • Census & Voter Lists
      • Birth, Marriage & Death
      • Military
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2006-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Bolton

      Origin

      Old English

      Meaning

      Bowl-shaped Town or Hill

      Variations

      Boston, Colton, Holton
      The name Bolton has its origins in Old English, deriving from the combination of the words bolla, meaning bowl, and tun, meaning town or enclosure. Thus, Bolton can be interpreted to mean bowl-shaped town or bowl-shaped hill, which suggests a geographical feature characterized by a concave landscape. This etymology highlights the significance of topography in the naming of places and indicates that the settlement is likely situated in a valley or depression surrounded by elevated land.

      Historically, areas named Bolton in England trace back to ancient times, with records of settlements dating as far back as the 9th century. One of the most notable Boltons is Bolton in Greater Manchester, which emerged as a significant textile center during the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century. This town played a vital role in the development of the cotton industry, contributing to economic growth and urban expansion. The strategic location of Bolton, coupled with its natural resources, facilitated its evolution into a bustling mill town, attracting a diverse population and fostering community development through the centuries.

      In contemporary usage, the name Bolton is recognized not only as a place but also as a common surname and a first name. Various towns and cities named Bolton can be found across the United Kingdom and in other countries, reflecting the widespread influence of English settlers. In addition, Bolton has maintained relevance in popular culture, appearing in sports teams and organizations, as well as in literature and the media. The name continues to evoke a sense of history and heritage, attracting interest from both locals and visitors alike.

      Based on our records...

      Bolton

      Bolton

      This is the most common surname associated with Bolton.
      Mary

      Mary

      This is the most common name of those married to a Bolton.
      Bolton

      Bolton

      This is the most common name for a child of a Bolton.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1829 is when there were the most people born with the first name Bolton.

      Explore the origins of another name.