The given name Sutton has its origins in Old English, deriving from the words "sūth" meaning "south" and "tūn" meaning "farm" or "settlement". It was initially a place name referring to southern settlements or villages, and later adopted as a surname and eventually a given name.

The name can be traced back to the 11th century, with records showing it being used as a surname in various parts of England. One of the earliest known references is in the Domesday Book of 1086, which mentions places like "Sutton" and "Sutton Valence" in Kent.

In the Middle Ages, the name Sutton gained prominence as it was borne by several notable figures. One of the earliest was Sutton de Frene, a 13th-century English nobleman and landowner from Warwickshire. Another was John Sutton, 1st Baron Dudley (c. 1400-1487), who played a significant role in the Wars of the Roses.

As a given name, Sutton first became popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. One of the earliest recorded instances was Sutton Dudley (1567-1597), an English military commander who served in the Netherlands. Another notable bearer was Sutton Nicholls (1585-1671), an English clergyman and academic who served as the Rector of Stretton Grandison in Herefordshire.

In the 18th century, Sutton Cane (1706-1772) was an English artist and engraver known for his works depicting landscapes and buildings. Later, in the 19th century, Sutton Sharpe (1803-1880) was an English architect and surveyor who designed several churches and public buildings in London.

One of the most famous bearers of the name was Sutton Foster (born 1975), an American actress, singer, and dancer who has won two Tony Awards for her performances in the Broadway musicals "Thoroughly Modern Millie" and "Anything Goes".

While the name Sutton has its roots in Old English and was initially associated with places in southern England, it has since spread and been adopted as a given name across various cultures and countries. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its unique sound and historical significance.