Find out how popular the first name Overton has been for the last 9 years (from 1995 to 2003) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Overton by gender

Based on the last 9 years of data, Overton is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2003, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Overton.

The history of the first name Overton

The name Overton is of English origin and can be traced back to the Old English language. It is derived from the combination of two words: "ofer" meaning "over" or "above," and "tun" meaning "town" or "settlement." Essentially, the name Overton refers to a settlement located on higher ground or an elevated position.

During the Anglo-Saxon period in Britain, which spanned from the 5th to the 11th centuries, the use of place names as personal names was a common practice. Overton likely originated as a surname given to someone who lived in or came from a settlement with that name.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Overton dates back to the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of land ownership and property values commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The Domesday Book mentions several places with variations of the name, such as "Ovretone" and "Ovretune."

In the realm of historical figures, Overton has been associated with several notable individuals. One of the earliest known was Sir Overton Edmunds (c. 1425 - 1499), an English knight and landowner who served under King Henry VI during the Wars of the Roses. Another prominent figure was John Overton (1640 - 1724), an English clergyman and writer who authored works on theology and philosophy.

In the United States, Overton gained recognition through individuals like Walter Hampden Overton (1788 - 1845), a lawyer and politician who served as the 15th Governor of Louisiana from 1835 to 1839. Additionally, John Henry Overton (1835 - 1903), an American lawyer and historian, played a significant role in preserving the history and heritage of Tennessee.

The name Overton has also been associated with several literary figures, including John Overton Fuller (1923 - 2009), a British writer and novelist known for his works on the paranormal and unexplained phenomena. Another notable bearer of the name was Richard Overton (1609 - 1664), an English pamphleteer and Leveller who advocated for religious tolerance and civil liberties during the English Civil War era.

Throughout history, the name Overton has been carried by individuals from various walks of life, including politicians, writers, clergymen, and landowners. While its roots can be traced back to Old English, the name has transcended its origins and become a part of the diverse tapestry of given names found across different cultures and societies.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Overton was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Overton, please contact us.

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