Runton Family History

Chiefly from East and West Rounton (NR Yorks) which are recorded as Rontun Runtune in 1086 Rungtune in the 12th century and Rungetone Rongetone in the 13th century. The place-name derives from Old English hrung ‘pole’ + tūn ‘farmstead estate’ perhaps denoting a settlement enclosed by poles or with a causeway made with poles.

Possibly occasionally from North and South Runcton (Norfolk) which are recorded as Runghetuna in 1086 and Rungetone in the 13th century or from Runton (also Norfolk) which is recorded as Runetune in 1086 and Runeton in 1185.

Runcton has the same etymology as Rounton (NR Yorks) discussed above while Runton derives from Old English tūn ‘farmstead estate’ with a personal name as first element either Old English *Rūna or Old Scandinavian Rúni.