H
Meaning & History
Horton is an English surname with topographic and locational origins. It derives from the names of various places in England, most of which are composed of the Old English elements horh "dirt, mud" and tun "enclosure, yard, town". Thus, the name originally denoted someone who lived near or worked at a muddy farmstead or enclosure. The surname is moderately common in England and has also spread to other English-speaking countries.
As a given name, Horton has been used in the United States and elsewhere, though it remains less common as a first name. Notable bearers include Horton Foote (1916–2009), an American playwright and screenwriter known for his work on stage and film, including the Academy Award-winning screenplay for To Kill a Mockingbird; Horton Smith (1908–1963), an American golfer who won the first Masters Tournament in 1934; and Horton H. Hobbs, Jr. (1914–1994), an American taxonomist and carcinologist. Fictional characters include Horton the Elephant, a beloved character from Dr. Seuss's Horton Hatches the Egg and Horton Hears a Who!.
As a given name, Horton has been used in the United States and elsewhere, though it remains less common as a first name. Notable bearers include Horton Foote (1916–2009), an American playwright and screenwriter known for his work on stage and film, including the Academy Award-winning screenplay for To Kill a Mockingbird; Horton Smith (1908–1963), an American golfer who won the first Masters Tournament in 1934; and Horton H. Hobbs, Jr. (1914–1994), an American taxonomist and carcinologist. Fictional characters include Horton the Elephant, a beloved character from Dr. Seuss's Horton Hatches the Egg and Horton Hears a Who!.
- Meaning: 'muddy enclosure', from Old English horh (mud) + tun (enclosure)
- Origin: English
- Type: Surname, but also used as a given name
- Usage: Primarily in English-speaking countries, notably England and the United States
Sources: Wikipedia — Horton (given name)