Thornton History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland
Scotland

Etymology of Thornton

What does the name Thornton mean?

The lineage of the name Thornton begins with the Anglo-Saxon tribes in Britain. It is a result of when they lived in the parish of Thornton in the county of Yorkshire. Thornton is a topographic surname, which was given to a person who resided near a physical feature such as a hill, stream, church, or type of tree. During the Middle Ages, as society became more complex, individuals needed a way to be distinguishable from others. Toponymic surnames were developed as a result of this need. Various features in the landscape or area were used to distinguish people from one another. In this case the surname Thornton was originally derived from the Old English terms thorn meaning thorn bushes and tun meaning enclosure or town. Therefore the original bearers of the surname Thornton were named due to their close proximity to the village where the thorn bushes were plentiful. 1 2

Early Origins of the Thornton family

The surname Thornton was first found in Cheshire where the founder of the family was Peter Thornton, Secretary to the Blundells. Thornton in Lancashire is home to another branch of the family.

"In the Testa de Nevill is mentioned Matilda de Thorenton, who was at the king's donation, but unmarried. In the 17th of Edward II., half the town of Thornton was held by William Banastre, and the other moiety by Laurence de Thorneton, a descendant probably of the above-named Matilda." 3 4

Another branch of the family was found in Arrow(e) in Cheshire from ancient times. "A moiety of the manor was in the Thornton family in the reign of Edward II., and passed by successive female heirs to the Duttons and Gerards." 3

Nether Witton in Northumberland was also an ancient family seat. "In the 14th century, [the manor of Nether Witton] became the property of Roger de Thornton, who built the ancient baronial tower, and, dying in 1429, was succeeded by his son, whose daughter and heiress conveyed it by marriage to George, Lord Lumley, of Lumley Castle. The estate subsequently became again the property of the Thornton family, of whom James left two daughters, who, as co-heiresses, conveyed it by marriage to the Trevelyans and the Withams, whose descendants are at present its proprietors. The manorhouse, a handsome mansion of white freestone, erected in the 17th century, is beautifully situated in tastefully embellished grounds; it is said to have been visited by Cromwell in the summer of 1651, and to have been the hiding-place of Lord Lovat, after his flight from the field of Culloden." 3

Gilbert de Thornton (d. 1295), was an English judge and was engaged as a crown advocate in 1291. On 2 Oct. 1284, he was sent to Ireland on the king's service and later became Chief Justice of the King's Bench. 5

Yorkshire was a county of significance. "The explanation of so many Thorntons in the Yorkshire directories lies in the fact that there are at least three Thorntons in that county including Thornton-in-Craven, and Thornton-in-Lonsdale. " 6

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 confirmed the Yorkshire existence of the family there at that time (Hugh de Thorneton and Richard de Thorneton but also included a lone Cambridgeshire listing: Roger de Thoratone. 6

Another source confirms the Yorkshire significance: "Yorkshire abounds with places so called. Thorne appears to have been an old Anglo-Saxon personal name; and hence Thornton may mean the homestead of Thorne." 7

Early History of the Thornton family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Thornton research. Another 117 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1066, 1204, 1425, 1440, 1469, 1615, 1623, 1660, 1669, 1678 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Thornton History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Thornton Spelling Variations

Only recently has spelling become standardized in the English language. As the English language evolved in the Middle Ages, the spelling of names changed also. The name Thornton has undergone many spelling variations, including Thornton, Thornten and others.

Early Notables of the Thornton family

Sir Roger Thornton of Soane, Cambridgeshire; and Sir Isaac Thornton (1615-1669), an English lawyer and politician who sat in the House of Commons in 1660
Robert Thornton (fl. 1440), was the transcriber of the 'Thornton Romances.' Thornton spent much of his life in transcribing, and perhaps translating into English, romances and other works popular in h...

Thornton World Ranking

the United States, the name Thornton is the 354^th most popular surname with an estimated 77,097 people with that name. 8 However, in Australia, the name Thornton is ranked the 378^th most popular surname with an estimated 9,778 people with that name. 9 And in New Zealand, the name Thornton is the 545^th popular surname with an estimated 1,287 people with that name. 10 The United Kingdom ranks Thornton as 313^rd with 19,436 people. 11

Migration of the Thornton family to Ireland

Some of the Thornton family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 88 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Thornton migration to the United States +

To escape the unstable social climate in England of this time, many families boarded ships for the New World with the hope of finding land, opportunity, and greater religious and political freedom. Although the voyages were expensive, crowded, and difficult, those families that arrived often found greater opportunities and freedoms than they could have experienced at home. Many of those families went on to make significant contributions to the rapidly developing colonies in which they settled. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name Thornton were among those contributors:

Thornton Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Mr. James Thornton, who left England and arrived in Maryland in 1634 aboard the ship "Ark and Dove"
Joanna Thornton, aged 44, who landed in New England in 1635 aboard the ship "Susan and Ellin" 13
Robert Thornton, aged 11, who arrived in New England aboard the ship "Elizabeth" in 1635 13
Walter Thornton, aged 36, who landed in New England in 1635 aboard the ship "Susan and Ellin" 13
Peter Thornton, who landed in Boston, Massachusetts in 1637 13
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Thornton Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Mary Thornton, who settled in New York in 1705
Grace Thornton, who landed in Virginia in 1713 13
Ann Thornton, who arrived in New England in 1717 13
Margaret Thornton, aged 19, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1775 13

Thornton Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Thomas Thornton, aged 66, who arrived in New York in 1812 13
Seagood Thornton, aged 30, who arrived in Maryland in 1812 13
Nicholas Thornton, who landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1816 13
John Thornton, who arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1816 13
Mary Thornton, aged 42, who arrived in Baltimore, Maryland in 1834 13
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Thornton Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Miss Jane Thornton, aged 18, Scottish settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Cynosure" in 1863
Mrs. Margaret Thornton, aged 59, Scottish settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Cynosure" in 1863
Miss Marion Thornton, aged 59, Scottish settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Cynosure" in 1863
Mr. John Thornton, aged 32, Scottish settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Cynosure" in 1863
Miss Marion Thornton, aged 10, Scottish settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Cynosure" in 1863
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Thornton migration to Canada +

Thornton Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Christopher Thornton, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1749
Mr. John Thornton U.E. who settled in Canada c. 1784 14
Mr. Luke D Thornton U.E. who settled in Saint John, New Brunswick c. 1784 14
Mr. Matthew Thornton U.E. who settled in St. Andrews, Charlotte County, New Brunswick c. 1784, nephew of Matthew Thornton (1714-1803) who signed the Declaration of Independence 14
Mr. Peter Thornton U.E. who settled in Saint John, New Brunswick c. 1784 14

Thornton Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Bleeker B Thornton, who arrived in Canada in 1830
Remember Thornton, who arrived in Canada in 1830
Reuben S Thornton, who landed in Canada in 1832
Benjamin Thornton, who landed in Canada in 1832
Brian Thornton, aged 30, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Cupid" in 1834
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Thornton migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia included the First Fleet, Second Fleet and Third Fleet of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

First Fleet

Miss Esther Thornton, (1770 - 1826), aged 19, British settler convicted in Middlesex, England in 1789, sentenced to Life for theft, transported aboard the ship "Lady Juliana" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 12

Second Fleet

Mr. Brook Thornton, British settler convicted in Middlesex, England in 1790, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Active" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 13

Third Fleet

Miss Ann Thornton, (b. 1754), aged 33, English settler convicted in London on 13th December 1786, sentenced for 7 years for stealing clothing, transported aboard the ship "Lady Penrhyn" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788 13

Following the First, Second and Third Fleets, other convicts and early settlers arriving in Australia include:

Thornton Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Miss Ellen Thornton, (b. 1790), aged 23, Irish convict who was convicted in Galway, Ireland for 7 years, transported aboard the "Catherine" on 8th December 1813, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 15
Miss Sarah Thornton, (b. 1812), aged 2, English settler travelling with mother Sarah Thorn (Thornton), transported aboard the "Broxbournebury" in January 1814, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 16
Mr. Samuel Thornton, Jr., (b. 1814), English settler born aboard the ship "Broxbournebury" in January 1814, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 16
Malachi Thornton, English convict from Southampton, who was transported aboard the "Asia" on April 1st, 1822, settling in New South Wales, Australia 17
Mr. Henry Thornton, English convict who was convicted in Wiltshire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Eliza" on 2nd February 1831, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 18
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Thornton 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:

Thornton Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Mr. Thornton, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Hamilla Mitchell" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 30th November 1853 19
William Thornton, aged 21, a labourer, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Oliver Lang" in 1856
Miss Jane Thornton, Scottish settler from Whitburn travelling from Glasgow aboard the ship "Strathfieldsaye" arriving in Port Chalmers, Dunedin, Otago, South Island, New Zealand on 29th April 1858 20
Mr. Thomas Thornton, Scottish settler travelling from Glasgow aboard the ship "Strathfieldsaye" arriving in Port Chalmers, Dunedin, Otago, South Island, New Zealand on 29th April 1858 20
Miss Mary Ann Thornton, (b. 1859), aged Infant, English settler, from Durham travelling from London aboard the ship "Robert Small" arriving in Lyttlelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 29th January 1860 20
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Thornton (post 1700) +

Charles Bates "Tex" Thornton (1913-1981), American business executive, founder of Litton Industries, recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Billy Bob Thornton (b. 1955), American Academy Award winning, two-time Golden Globe Award winning, Daytime Emmy Award and Primetime Emmy Award nominated actor, filmmaker, and singer-songwriter
Matthew Thornton (1714-1803), Irish-born Founding Father of the United States who signed the United States Declaration of Independence as a representative of New Hampshire, President of the New Hampshire Provincial Congress in 1775, Speaker of the New Hampshire House of Representatives in 1776
Sidney Thornton (1954-2023), American NFL football player for the Pittsburgh Steelers (1977-1982)
William Edgar Thornton (1929-2020), American NASA astronaut with over 313 hours in space, he flew on Challenger twice, the STS-8 and STS-51B missions 21
William M. Thornton, American Democratic Party politician, Member of Montana State Senate 5th District, 1889-92 22
William Taylor Thornton (1843-1916), American politician, Mayor of Santa Fe, New Mexico, 1891; Governor of New Mexico Territory, 1893-97 23
William L. Thornton, American politician, Member of New York State Senate 26th District, 1899-1902 23
William J. Thornton, American Republican politician, Member of Connecticut State House of Representatives from Manchester, 1933-36, 1939-40 23
... (Another 98 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Thornton family +

Arrow Air Flight 1285

Mr. Christopher G Thornton (1961-1985), American Sergeant from Tacoma Park, Maryland, USA who died in the Arrow Air Flight 1285 crash 23
Mr. Walter Clifford Thornton, Australian passenger who was lost at see when the ship "SS Koombana" sank in a tropical cyclone on 20th March 1912
Mr. George Hayward Thornton, American Gunner's Mate Third Class from Mississippi, USA working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he died in the sinking 24

The Thornton 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: Fideli tuta merces
Motto Translation: To the faithful go rewards

Sources +

Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Testa de Nevill or "Liber Feodorum" or "Book of Fees," thought to have been written by Ralph de Nevill, for King John (1199–1216)
Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
"Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
"UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
Convict Records of Australia. Retrieved 4th February 2021 from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships
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)
Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
Convict Records of Australia (Retreived 2nd January 2021, retreived from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/catherine
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 3rd November 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/broxbournebury
State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2016, October 27) Asia 1 voyage to Van Diemen's Land, Australia in 1822 with 190 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/asia/1822
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 28th February 2022). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/eliza
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 26th March 2019). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
NASA Astronauts Homepage. (Retrieved 2010, September 27) William Thornton. Retrieved from http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/thornton-w.html
The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, November 2) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html
American War Memorials - Flight 1285. (Retrieved 2016, August 24) . Retrieved from http://www.uswarmemorials.org/html/monument_details.php?SiteID=317&MemID=550
Pearl Harbour: USS Arizona Casualties List Pearl Harbour December 7, 1941. (Retrieved 2018, July 31st). Retrieved from http://pearl-harbor.com/arizona/casualtylist.html