Show ContentsBufton History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The ancestors of the distinguished surname Bufton date back to the time when England was ruled by the Anglo-Saxons. The name is derived from the Old English "bufan tune," literally meaning "above the village," and probably first referred to one living at the head of or above a village. Bufton is a small hamlet between the Leicestershire with about 10-20 people living there.

Early Origins of the Bufton family

The surname Bufton was first found in Bedfordshire, where the Bufton family first emerged during the Middle Ages. The earliest recorded bearer of the name was Robert Buveton, who was listed in the Curia Regis Rolls of 1222.

Early History of the Bufton family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bufton research. Another 81 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1222, 1240, 1636 and 1707 are included under the topic Early Bufton History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bufton Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Bufton, Bowton, Boveton, Buftown, Bowten, Buften and others.

Early Notables of the Bufton family

More information is included under the topic Early Bufton Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Australia Bufton migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Bufton Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Mr. John Bufton, (b. 1812), aged 21, Welsh convict who was convicted in New Radnor, Radnorshire, Wales for life for stealing, transported aboard the "Fairlie" on 14th October 1833, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, he died in 1836 1

Contemporary Notables of the name Bufton (post 1700) +

  • Jack L Bufton, American NASA physicist
  • Air Vice Marshal Sidney Osborne Bufton CB, DFC (1908-1993), English Air Officer Commanding British Forces Aden (1953–1955)
  • Eleanor Bufton (1840-1893), Welsh-born, British actress
  • John Bufton (b. 1962), Welsh-born, UKIP Member of the European Parliament for Wales


  1. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 21st September 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/fairlie


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