Shafto Family History

English (northern): habitational name from East and West Shaftoe in Hartburn (Northumberland) probably from Old English sceaft ‘shaft pole’.

It is derived from the combination of two elements: sceaft, meaning ‘shaft’, and hōh, meaning ‘heel’ or ‘spur of land’.

The name reflects the geographical features of the area where it originated.

This type of naming convention is common in Northern England, where locations are often identified by distinctive landmarks.

Understanding the etymology of such names provides insight into the history and culture of the region.