Show ContentsNewton History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Newton is one of the names that was brought to England in the wave of migration following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Newton family lived in Cheshire, at Newton. The surname Newton was originally derived from the Old English words, neowe, meaning new, and tun, meaning enclosure or settlement.

Early Origins of the Newton family

The surname Newton was first found in Cheshire at Wilmslow, a parish, in the union of Altrincham, hundred of Macclesfield. "In the north chapel [of Wilmslow church] are two altar-tombs sunk in the wall, on which are figures representing the Newtons of Newton and Pownall." [1] We must take a moment to explore the hamlet of Woolsthorpe in Lincolnshire. "This is an ancient hamlet, consisting of a few farmhouses and thatched cottages, with the old manor-house, in which the immortal Sir Isaac Newton was born, on Christmas-day, 1642. His father, John Newton, Esq., was lord of the manor. Great care is taken for the preservation of the house; and when it was repaired, in 1798, a tablet of white marble, commemorating the philosopher's birth, was put up in the chamber where the event took place." [1]

Early History of the Newton family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Newton research. Another 159 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1166, 1374, 1543, 1626, 1642, 1660, 1661, 1699 and 1727 are included under the topic Early Newton History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Newton Spelling Variations

Before the advent of the printing press and the first dictionaries, the English language was not standardized. Sound was what guided spelling in the Middle Ages, so one person's name was often recorded under several variations during a single lifetime. Spelling variations were common, even among the names of the most literate people. Known variations of the Newton family name include Newton, Newdon and others.

Early Notables of the Newton family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was

  • Sir John Newton, 1st Baronet (died 1661)
  • Sir John Newton, 2nd Baronet (1626-1699), an English politician, Member of Parliament for Grantham in 1660

Newton World Ranking

In the United States, the name Newton is the 367th most popular surname with an estimated 74,610 people with that name. [2] However, in Canada, the name Newton is ranked the 759th most popular surname with an estimated 7,020 people with that name. [3] And in Australia, the name Newton is the 238th popular surname with an estimated 14,313 people with that name. [4] New Zealand ranks Newton as 233rd with 2,528 people. [5] The United Kingdom ranks Newton as 178th with 30,722 people. [6]

Ireland Migration of the Newton family to Ireland

Some of the Newton family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Newton migration to the United States +

To escape the political and religious chaos of this era, thousands of English families began to migrate to the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. The passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe; however, those who made the voyage safely were encountered opportunities that were not available to them in their homeland. Many of the families that reached the New World at this time went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations of the United States and Canada. Research into various historical records has revealed some of first members of the Newton family to immigrate North America:

Newton Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • Helen Newton, who settled in Virginia in 1621
  • Eleanor Newton, who arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1623 [7]
  • Elinor Newton, aged 25, who arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1623 [7]
  • Mrs. Ellen Newton, aged 25 who arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1623 aboard the ship "Anne" [7]
  • Francis Newton, who landed in Virginia in 1628 [7]
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Newton Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Edward Newton, who landed in Virginia in 1704 [7]
  • Henry Newton, who arrived in Virginia in 1704 [7]
  • Robert Newton, who landed in Virginia in 1704 [7]
  • Geo Newton, who arrived in Virginia in 1706 [7]
  • Nathaniel Newton, who landed in Virginia in 1711 [7]
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Newton Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Anthony Newton, who landed in Charleston, South Carolina in 1802 [7]
  • Isaac Newton, who arrived in Maryland in 1812 [7]
  • Joseph Newton, who landed in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1838 [7]
  • G N Newton, aged 40, who landed in Key West, Fla in 1845 [7]
  • D F Newton, who landed in San Francisco, California in 1850 [7]
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Newton Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Mr. Martin A. Newton, (b. 1857), aged 43, English settler, from Newby, Cumbria, UK travelling aboard the ship "Oceanic" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 26th September 1900 en route to Dodgeville, Wisconsin, USA [8]
  • Helen Newton, who landed in Arkansas in 1901 [7]
  • Mr. Samuel Newton, (b. 1872), aged 32, Cornish fitter travelling aboard the ship "Philadelphia" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 6th August 1904 en route to New York, USA [8]
  • Mr. Isaac Newton, (b. 1868), aged 36, Cornish miner travelling aboard the ship "Philadelphia" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 1st October 1904 en route to Calumet, Michigan, USA [8]

Canada Newton migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Newton Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • Thomas Newton, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1749
  • Peter Newton, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1750
  • John Newton, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1774
  • Eliz Newton, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1774
  • Mathew Newton, who settled in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1775
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Newton Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • Mary Newton, aged 60, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the ship "Pacific" from Liverpool, England
  • L Newton, who landed in Victoria, British Columbia in 1862
  • Caroline Newton, who landed in Victoria, British Columbia in 1862

Australia Newton migration to Australia +

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

Newton Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Miss Ann Newton, English convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Canada" in March 1810, arriving in New South Wales, Australia [9]
  • Mr. Thomas Newton, British Convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for 14 years, transported aboard the "Earl Spencer" in May 1813, arriving in New South Wales, Australia [10]
  • Mr. John Newton, British Convict who was convicted in Lancaster, Lancashire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Batavia" in October 1817, arriving in New South Wales, Australia [11]
  • Mr. George Newton, English convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Dromedary" on 11th September 1819, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) [12]
  • Mr. John Newton, English convict who was convicted in Lancaster, Lancashire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Claudine" on 20th May 1821, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) [13]
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

New Zealand Newton migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Newton Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • Andrew James Newton, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Artemesia" in 1854
  • A. Newton, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Artemesia" in 1854
  • S. Newton, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Artemesia" in 1854
  • Miss Frances Newton, (b. 1855), aged Infant, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Sir Edward Paget" arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 2nd July 1856 [14]
  • Mr. Robert Newton, (b. 1816), aged 40, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Sir Edward Paget" arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 2nd July 1856 [14]
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

West Indies Newton migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. [15]
Newton Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century
  • Mr. John Newton, (b. 1606), aged 29, British settler travelling aboard the ship "Expedition" arriving in Barbados in 1636 [16]
  • Samuel Newton and his servants, who arrived in Barbados in 1680

Contemporary Notables of the name Newton (post 1700) +

  • Sir Isaac Newton PRS (1642-1726), English physicist and mathematician, one of the most important scientists in the history of mankind
  • Wayne F. Newton (b. 1942), born Carson Wayne Newton, American singer and entertainer [17]
  • Mrs. Melanie Thandiwe Newton O.B.E. (b. 1972), born in Westminster, London, England, English Actress, staring in many American and British films including Mission Impossible 2, The pursuit of Happyness as well as Run Fatboy Run, was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire on 29th December 2018 for services to Film and to charity [18]
  • Calvin Newton (1929-2023), American gospel singer from West Frankfort, Illinois
  • Kathryn Newton (b. 1997), American actress, known for her starring roles in Gary Unmarried (2008–2010), Big Little Lies (2017–2019), and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)
  • Huey Percy Newton (1942-1989), American political and urban activist, co-founder of the Black Panther Party in 1966
  • John Haymes Newton (b. 1965), American actor, known for his regular roles on the television programs Superboy as Clark Kent
  • Charles Martin Newton (1930-2018), American basketball player, coach and administrator, inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000
  • Nigel Newton (b. 1955), American-born British publisher, founder and chief executive of Bloomsbury Publishing Plc., son of Peter Leigh Newton
  • Peter Leigh Newton (1926-2008), English-born, American winemaker, founder of Sterling Vineyards and Newton Vineyard, father of Nigel Newton
  • ... (Another 33 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Empress of Ireland
  • Miss Jane Newton (1861-1914), American Second Class Passenger from Antler, North Dakota, United States who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking [19]
HMS Repulse
  • Mr. Peter Goodwin Newton, British Lieutenant Commander, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking [20]
HMS Royal Oak
  • Douglas Newton, British Boy 1st Class with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he survived the sinking [21]


The Newton Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Huic habeo non tibi
Motto Translation: I hold it for him, not for thee.


Suggested Readings for the name Newton +

  • The Descendants of James Huston by Edith Luella Houston Hurlbutt.
  • Genealogy of Newton-Forsyth by Leo L. Lemonds.

  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  2. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  3. "Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
  4. "Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
  5. "Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
  6. "UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
  7. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  8. Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retrieved 3rd May 2018). Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/emigration_ellis_island_1892_on.pdf
  9. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 9th December 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/canada
  10. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 8th September 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/earl-spencer
  11. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 30th September 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/batavia
  12. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 16th July 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/dromedary
  13. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 17th February 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/claudine
  14. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 26th March 2019). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
  16. Pilgrim Ship Lists Early 1600's retrieved 29th September 2021. Retrieved from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
  17. Wayne Newton. (Retrieved 2010, September 27) Wayne Newton. Retrieved from http://www.waynenewton.com/
  18. "Birthday and New Year Honours Lists (1940 to 2019)." Issue 62507, 28 December 2018 | London Gazette, The Gazette, Dec. 2018, www.thegazette.co.uk/honours-lists
  19. Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 17) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html
  20. HMS Repulse Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listrepulsecrew.html
  21. Ships hit by U-boats crew list HMS Royal Oak (08) - (Retrieved 2018 February, 9th) - retrieved from https://uboat.net/allies/merchants/crews/ship68.html


Houseofnames.com on Facebook