This page needs Javascript enabled in order to work properly. Click here for instructions on how to enable it in your browser.
Surname Header Image
Get access to Railton family records.Start a 14-Day Free Trial

Railton Family History

Railton Surname Meaning

English (northern): possibly a variant of Relton, a habitational name perhaps from Wrelton (North Yorkshire). The origin of the placename is uncertain but it may derive from Old English wearg ‘felon’ + hyll ‘hill’ + tūn ‘farmstead estate’.

However, Railton in northwestern England and central Scotland may have a different but unexplained origin, and Relton in northeastern England may be a later variant of Railton influenced by association with the North Yorkshire placename Wrelton.

Source: Dictionary of American Family Names 2nd edition, 2022


Similar surnames: 

Search for a relative to learn more about your family history.

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Railton family from?

You can see how Railton families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Railton family name was found in the USA, the UK, Canada, and Scotland between 1841 and 1920. The most Railton families were found in United Kingdom in 1891. In 1891 there were 181 Railton families living in Lancashire. This was about 21% of all the recorded Railton's in United Kingdom. Lancashire had the highest population of Railton families in 1891.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Railton surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.
Mapbox
© Mapbox © OpenStreetMap Improve this map

What did your Railton ancestors do for a living?

In 1939, General Labourer and Unpaid Domestic Duties were the top reported jobs for men and women in the United Kingdom named Railton. 30% of Railton men worked as a General Labourer and 74% of Railton women worked as an Unpaid Domestic Duties. Some less common occupations for Americans named Railton were None and Unpaid Household Duties.

View Census Data for Railton | Data not to scale

*We display top occupations by gender to maintain their historical accuracy during times when men and women often performed different jobs.

Top Male Occupations In 1939

  • General Labourer
    30%
  • Window Cleaner
    5%
  • Incapacitated
    5%
  • None
    5%

Top Female Occupations In 1939

  • Unpaid Domestic Duties
    74%
  • Private Means
    3%
  • Incapacitated
    3%
  • Unpaid Household Duties
    3%

What Railton family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 14,000 census records available for the last name Railton. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Railton census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Railton

Passenger Lists

There are 2,000 immigration records available for the last name Railton. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in the UK, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Railton immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 924 military records available for the last name Railton. For the veterans among your Railton ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Railton military records

You've only scratched the surface of Railton family history

Discover More

What is the average Railton lifespan?

Between 1961 and 2004, in the United States, Railton life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1972, and highest in 1984. The average life expectancy for Railton in 1961 was 59, and 87 in 2004.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Railton

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Railton ancestors lived in harsh conditions. A short lifespan might also indicate health problems that were once prevalent in your family. The SSDI is a searchable database of more than 70 million names. You can find birthdates, death dates, addresses and more.

Discover the unique achievements of ancestors in the Railton family tree

Explore Your Tree
Search for another surname
Enter last name/surname
Start a 14-Day Free Trial