Starton

This is an English locational surname which originates from the village of Stareton in the county of Warwickshire. Recorded in several spellings including Starten, Startin, Startine, and Starton, the name is now found in most parts of England. The village name and hence the later surname, was first recorded in the year 1157 in the Pipe Rolls of warwick and in the spelling of Stauerton. This translates as "the farm or settlement (tun) surrounded by stakes (staefer)", a reference either to a defended village or possibly a fenced farm, in an area where these were unusual. Locational surnames were usually given to former villagers when they left, and went to look for work and homes elsewhere. "Elsewhere" could be the next village or as far away as London, but in either case it was then, and to some extent it remains so in the 20th century, that the easiest way to identify a stranger, was to call him or her by the name of the place from whence they came. Local dialects being "thick", and spelling at best haphazard, lead to the creation of alternative spellings. Early examples of this surname include the recordings of Jane Starton at Wesperton, Warwickshire, on November 3rd 1589, Elizabeth Starton at St Dunstans in the East, Stepney, London, on June 1st 1691, and William Startin at St Stephan's church, Coleman Street, London, on June 5th 1789. The first known recording of the surname is believed to be that of Leonard Startaine, christened at the church of St Mary Magdalene, Bermondsey, London, on January 26th 1560.