The name Burton is derived from the Old English words "burh" meaning a fortified town or manor, and "tun" meaning an enclosure or settlement. It emerged as a surname during the Middle Ages, referring to someone who lived in or near a fortified town or village. The name is believed to have first appeared in England around the 11th century.

Burton has its roots in the Anglo-Saxon culture and was initially a locational surname, identifying where a person was from. As early as the 13th century, records show the name being used as a given name, particularly in regions of England such as Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Burton is found in the Domesday Book, a manuscript record of landholdings and wealth compiled in 1086 by order of William the Conqueror. The name appears as a place name and a surname, indicating its widespread use at the time.

In the realm of literature, the name Burton is mentioned in the works of Geoffrey Chaucer, the famous 14th-century English poet and author. In his Canterbury Tales, Chaucer includes a character named "Burton" among the pilgrims, suggesting the name's familiarity during that era.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Burton. Sir Richard Burton (1821-1890) was a renowned British explorer, writer, and linguist, best known for his travels in Africa and Asia, including his expedition to discover the source of the Nile River. Another prominent figure was Sir Randolph Burton (1829-1901), a British diplomat and politician who served as the British Consul-General in Damascus and later as a Member of Parliament.

In the field of acting, the name Burton is closely associated with the legendary actor Richard Burton (1925-1984), renowned for his roles in films such as "Cleopatra" and "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?". His talent and charismatic performances made him one of the most celebrated actors of his time.

Additionally, Burton C. Mossman (1888-1965) was a Canadian politician and lawyer who served as the 14th Lieutenant Governor of Alberta from 1950 to 1955, while Burton Richter (1931-2018) was an American physicist and Nobel laureate, recognized for his contributions to the discovery of the subatomic particle known as the J/psi meson.

The name Burton has a rich history, originating from the Old English language and evolving into a given name with a strong connection to the Anglo-Saxon heritage of England. Its presence in literary works, historical records, and the lives of influential individuals throughout the centuries has solidified its place in the annals of naming traditions.