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
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • 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
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Broughton

      Origin

      English

      Meaning

      Derived from A Surname, Borough Town

      Variations

      Brighton, Houghton, Loughton
      The name Broughton is of English origin, derived primarily from a surname that means borough town. In this context, borough refers to a fortified town or village, indicating a place of significance within a locality. The name itself is constructed from Old English elements, where burh means fortified place and tun refers to an enclosure or settlement. Therefore, Broughton encapsulates the notion of a community or settlement that holds particular importance, often linked to historical governance or trade.

      The historical roots of the name Broughton can be traced back to medieval England, where many surnames originated from geographical features or prominent locations. As populations grew and communities evolved, such names became common identifiers for families residing in specific areas. The earliest records of places named Broughton can be found in various regions of England, including locations in Buckinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Lancashire, with each settlement carrying its own unique historical narratives. Throughout the centuries, these locations have played integral roles in regional development, serving as centers for agriculture, commerce, and governance.

      In contemporary society, Broughton is a surname and a place name that continues to be relevant. Several towns and villages across England still carry the name, each contributing to the local culture and heritage. Additionally, Broughton as a given name, while less common, is still utilized and often chosen for its historical significance and cultural resonance. Organizations, institutions, and communities have also adopted the name, reinforcing its legacy and connection to the past. Overall, Broughton persists as a name that signifies both heritage and community identity in modern times.

      Based on our records...

      Boston

      Boston

      This is the most common surname associated with Broughton.
      Mary

      Mary

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

      Mary

      This is the most common name for a child of a Broughton.
      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?

      1907 is when there were the most people born with the first name Broughton.

      Explore the origins of another name.